Shocking graffiti spoils coastline

Vandals have spoiled Whitburn’s stunning coastline by spraying graffiti tags onto the side of a cliff and onto popular bird watch huts.

A cliff face near to what is known locally as The Wherry has been defaced in recent weeks, with vandals spraying graffiti symbols onto the side of the cliff.

Meanwhile bird watching huts on the Whitburn wetlands have also been vandalised with similar graffiti tags.

Condemning the vandalism, a South Tyneside Council spokesperson said: “Graffiti is an act of vandalism and creates a negative impression of our borough.

"It is especially frustrating that someone has chosen to spoil such a beautiful location along our coastline in this way.”

The Wherry is managed by the National Trust who are now working with the council to find a way of removing the graffiti without causing further damage.

A council spokeswoman said: “The sensitivity of the rockfaceanddifficultieswith access make tackling graffiti in this particular location more problematic.” E r ic W i l to n , ge n e ra l m a n a ge r fo r th e National Trust Souter Lighthouse and the Leas, said: “We are saddened by the vandalism to this special place.

"As a conservation charity, the National Trust works hard to protect and preserve Souter Lighthouse and the Leas so that it can be enjoyed by the general public and be a safe habitat for the wildlife that call it home.”

A council spokeswoman said: “We would encourage people to pass on any information about instances of graffiti by calling the council on (0191) 427 7000.”