A clean-up operation is to begin to rid graffiti from bus shelters, telecommunications cabinets and road signs between Newport and Wootton after a ‘crew’ went on a spray paint frenzy earlier this week.
The ‘artwork’ – which appeared overnight on Tuesday into Wednesday – consists of a 5-pointed star with the number 4 written inside it and, in some instances, ’22 crew’ written next to it. It has been suggested that the ‘4’ refers to the Southern Vectis bus route between Newport and East Cowes.
The graffiti has appeared on dozens of pieces of street furniture on Wootton High Street, Racecourse and Fairlee Road – including the ‘Welcome to Newport’ signs.
It is assumed that a group of feral youths are responsible for the criminal damage, with 1 Island Echo reader dubbing them ‘low lives that are a waste of oxygen’.
In a joint statement, Island Roads and the Isle of Wight Council have said:
“We are currently assessing the extent of the damage and the type of clean-up required for each site so we can remove the graffiti as swiftly as possible.”
Southern Vectis has also commented on the situation, with Operations Manager Simon Moye saying:
“This act of vandalism is extremely disappointing – for us and, I’m sure, for our customers.
“The graffiti has been reported to Island Roads, who are responsible for the bus stops on behalf of Isle of Wight Council, and they will take appropriate action.”
There has been further anti-social behaviour in Newport overnight with a flower bed decimated outside Boots in the High Street.
