Tribute mural ruined by graffiti

A mural painted in the summer to brighten up a run-down area has been targeted by vandals.

Graffiti was found on the Canterbury East station footbridge between Lansdown Road and Oxford Road on Friday.

The ruined artwork, called Traveller’s Joy and designed by University for the Creative Arts student Gloria Treseder, depicts a flower native to Kent and a robin painted at the request of Valerie Clifton, an elderly lady who lived nearby until her death.

Cathy Sales, who led the efforts, said: “Lots of people put money up to make this happen.

“Nobody minds graffiti in the right place. But you don’t put it on a robin which was in memory of a beautiful lady. I don’t think they particularly meant any harm, but in this situation it is really disrespectful.”

A spokesman for Network Rail, which owns the bridge, said: “We work with residents groups and artists across the south east to improve the look of our railway where it passes through their communities.

“A happy side effect of the artwork is also that it reduces vandalism and graffiti.

“We are sad to hear that this is not the case in Canterbury, and it’s disappointing that something so good has been attacked in this way. If anyone is concerned about graffiti on railway land, do let us know on 0345 711 4141.”