‘Moronic’ yobs deface beauty spot in Peaks
RAMBLERS HIT OUT AFTER THE ROACHES IS SPRAYED WITH GRAFFITI
WALKERS have been left furious after vandals defaced a beloved Peak District beauty spot.
The Roaches, which is near Leek and is iconic for its rocky formation, was targeted by yobs over the weekend, to the dismay of people nearby.
The culprits spray painted swear words and political slogans on the outcropping in blue and red paint.
These includes phrases such as “Trump 2020” and “Bojo 2020”, as well as the bizarre “Actimel is good for your gut”.
It is not known exactly when the act took place, but pictures of the damage began to emerge on Sunday. Photos have since been shared with Staffordshire Wildlife Trust, which manages the rocky crop in the Peak District National Park, as well as Staffordshire Police.
Many ramblers took to social media to share their disgust at “moronic” actions. Writing on the Roaches Appreciation Society Facebook page, one man said: “To think they actually took the time to travel up there to do that.”
Another added: “It’s horrible wanton destruction. I feel sick to the stomach seeing this.”
And a third said: “A place of such natural beauty, a place I grew up and call home, to see this really does sicken me. I really hope the people who did this are heavily fined and made to clean it up.”
A nearby resident believes the vandals arrived in the middle of the night. He said: “We heard cars with loud exhausts coming up the road during the night. It could be a coincidence maybe but it woke us up a few times. This is absolutely shocking, I’m very sad and angry.”
The latest graffiti comes decades after the “nose” of the Winking Man was deliberately smashed off in the 1970s.
People are now appealing for anyone who knows the identities of those responsible to get in touch with the police. One woman said: “If anyone saw anything suspicious, or has any idea about who might be responsible they need to be held accountable.” The Roaches – named after the French word for rocks
– have become increasingly busy during lockdown as more families have ventured out for walks.
The popularity of the 1,657ft escarpment forced police and park rangers to issue appeals urging people to stay away due to the inconsiderate parking.
The site also featured on a recent e p i sode of The Masked Singer on ITV with the Viking.
In clear conditions, it is possible to see much of Cheshire and views stretching as far as Snowdon in Wales and Winter Hill in Lancashire.
Climbers have since removed the graffiti.
Anyone with information about the vandalism is asked to call Staffordshire Police on 101.