Spate of graffiti in Broadbottom branded 'disgusting'

A spate of graffiti in Broadbottom has been branded "disgusting" and "deplorable" by local residents and politicians.

Vandals have been on a spree in parts of the village, spraying signage and other objects with red paint.

The worst affected area is around Besthill Bridge, close to the Trans Pennine trail on the border with Charlesworth, but some has also appeared at the Gorsey Brow end of Hague Road.

Graffiti on Hague Road. Photo: Charlotte Rowe.

The Reporter and Chronicle asked residents in the Broadbottom group on Facebook what they thought of the criminal damage. 

Jennifer Bennett-Dixson said: “My nine-year-old daughter Nell said it’s messy and it’s ruining our village.”

Ellissa Bryant commented: “I live right near where they did it and looks awful, so sad.”

Lauren Gledhill said: “This is disgusting and honestly I can’t see the point in it.”

Jo Lockett commented: “Very sad, when so many work hard to make this a beautiful place.”

Molly Dobie said: “Very stupid! The Bankwood sign is what my dad’s had put up to show the building site and it’s made me really quite mad!”

Longdendale councillors Jacqueline Owen and Janet Cooper said they were both “appalled” by the vandalism.

They have been in touch with Tameside Council’s Neighbourhood Manager, who has allocated an officer and instructed a team to clean up the graffiti - including on Hague Road - and has spoken with police about identifying the offender(s). 

Local MP Jonathan Reynolds has described it as “deplorable”.

He said: “This level of mindless graffiti is deplorable. We all need to take pride in our communities and shared spaces.

“This type of vandalism stretches already pressured council budgets even further to clean it up. From fly tipping to litter to graffiti- please, let’s all be more considerate to our neighbours.”

Main image:

Just some of the graffiti which has appeared in Broadbottom.