OFFENSIVE and crude graffiti has been scrawled across an Ilkeston skatepark just weeks after it had been refurbished.
The vandals daubed the tags on panels and ramps, while a newly-repainted picnic bench has been completely covered in scratched messages.
The skatepark, next to Abbotsford Community Centre on the Shipley View estate, will now have to be refurbished again, just weeks after work on the area had been completed.
The vandalism was discovered after the Spring Bank Holiday weekend and has been reported to the police.
Officers are now investigating the attack and researching the graffiti in the hope that may help track down those responsible.
Panels and areas of the skatepark had been painted in bright colours as part of an art project Erewash Borough Council is running with young pupils at nearby Granby School.
Councillor Mike Wallis, Erewash Borough Council's Lead Member for Culture and Leisure, says:"This vandalism is an utter disgrace and I know local residents – along with the responsible skateboarders who use this facility – will share our anger and frustration.
"I would urge anyone who has information that could help us track down the mindless vandals behind this attack to contact the police as soon as possible.
"As most people know, local authorities are facing tight budget constraints and yet this council has invested in our play areas through new equipment and refurbishment.
"Now we are back at square one with this facility and we face having to find money again to repaint it. It is totally unacceptable.
"But we will not be deterred and we will do the work – and we will do it in time for the children to complete their art project."
The council will repaint and repair the skatepark within the next few weeks, with the Granby School pupils able to meet the project artist and see their work painted at the site before the summer break.
