MINDLESS vandalism to cycle route signs, in West Devon have sparked an appeal for information from a resident and volunteer with the cycle charity Sustrans.

A series of signs for the Devon Coast to Coast cycle route from Ilfracombe to Plymouth, that passes through Okehampton and Hatherleigh, have been defaced.

Rather than normal graffiti, the signs have just been sprayed over with blue spray paint.

Alan, who regularly clears litter and brambles from the route to ensure its safety, said: 'Signs from Bridestowe station to Lydford, and all the signs along the road to Brentor, have been vandalised.

'It happened once before a couple of years ago. The signs that are visible from nearby houses have been left alone, but the others have been sprayed.

'It seems so senseless. Nobody's written anything nasty or even written anything. It doesn't make any sense.'

'I feel it should be public knowledge because, well, why?

'Why do people do it? It feels like they want to spoil or ruin people's enjoyment of a lovely cycle path, which is also a popular walking trail. It seems malicious for the sake of it.'

The charity Sustrans, which encourages people to travel by bicycle, foot or public transport, maintain the cycle path.

However they are not responsible for the signs, which are owned by Devon County Council.

Alan said: 'We've tried to remove the spray paint with paint remover, but it hasn't worked. We've been told each sign will have to be replaced.

'We don't know how long that'll take or cost the council, because they're quite specific signs.'

Alan is appealing for anyone with information on the vandalism to report it to police.