A THOUGHTLESS act of vandalism has been slammed by a town and borough councillor.

Graffiti 'tagging' has been seen around Tavistock, on lampposts, bins, on bridges, under archways, but the main affected area is on the viaduct.

West Devon Borough and Tavistock town councillor Jeff Moody said the act of vandalism needed to be stopped.

He said: 'I first saw the graffiti on the Tavistock viaduct walk. Every light on the viaduct was tagged, as was the viaduct wall.

'Behind WHSmiths has been targeted as were the doors to the Tavistock Town Council depot in Market Road. There are more examples on posts and bins all over Tavistock.

'I have also been advised that the bridge near to the football grounds is also another area affected.

'On the whole, the graffiti is not offensive, but this needless and thoughtless act of 'tagging' has a considerable knock on effect on the local community in the clean-up expense and time.

'It must be stopped.'

If anyone spots anyone graffiti tagging in Tavistock, they should report it to the police on 101, or to West Devon Borough Council.

Sgt Dave Anning from Tavistock Police Station said: 'We are in a recession so it is important to keep the town looking at its best to visitors, and we share the concerns of the town council on this issue.

'Graffiti is something that usually crops up for a short while until the perpetrators grow out of it.

'Usually teenagers with a low sense of self-esteem are responsible, so we have photographed the graffiti and will be contacting local schools and organisations who work with young people to see if we can identify those responsible.

'Some graffiti has of course famously evolved into an art form.

'Sadly Tavistock does not appear to harbour the next Banksy, with the alphabet proving enough of a challenge in most cases.'

A spokesman for West Devon Borough Council said: 'We are currently taking steps to have the graffiti on Tavistock Viaduct removed as we are the owners of the structure.

'This is a costly procedure and takes up tax-payers money which could be spent elsewhere.

'We need the public to help us clamp down on graffiti by providing information which might help to identify the perpetrators by calling 01822 813600 or emailing [email protected]">[email protected].'