Graffiti daubed on monument
Yobs have vandalised Penshaw Monument, spray painting it with swastikas, the name of a far right organisation, a drugs reference and homophobic abuse.
The graffiti runs almost the length of the base on one side of Sunderland’s most visible landmark. It is on the side facing Washington and the River Wear.
The spray paint is in red and white and was used to write several names, as well as the letters EDL (the far-right English Defence League). The two daubings of homophobic abuse are both misspelled.
The graffiti was first reported to Northumbria Police at around 5pm on Friday, December 18.
There is considerable anger in the community at this latest example of loutish behaviour in the area. The Echo recently reported that swans had been killed by sick individuals in nearby Herrington Country Park.
It isn’t the first time the landmark has been vandalised, with a number of similar incidents in recent years – and people and businesses in the community to donate towards removing it.
Penshaw Monument is owned by the National Trust who have so far been unable to give a cost or schedule to
clean it up.
The monument’s general manager Mick Wilkes said: “We are saddened by the vandalism to this special place. As a conservation charity, the National Trust works hard to keep Penshaw Monument
and the surrounding land at its best so that it can be enjoyed and treasured by the general public.
“We’re working closely with Sunderland council, but as the graffiti is extensive and Penshaw is a scheduled
monument, it will likely require specialist contractors to remove it without causing further damage to the stonework.
“This close to Christmas, we’ re awaiting details on when that can happen, but it may take longer than we would like.
“It’s incredibly frustrating. The cost to remove the damage will be a drain on our charitable resources after an already difficult year for the National Trust.”
A Northumbria Police spokesperson said: “The matter is being dealt with by Northumbria Police and anyone with information can contact us, in confidence, by dialling 101 and quoting reference 770, December 18.”