RESIDENTS in Burton have called on graffiti vandals to stop their scrawling after a recent spate of damage.

Villagers are apparently “fuming” about the recent vandalism sprayed on street fittings, say parish councillors, who discussed the matter at their last meeting.

Stencils of a bomb and other graffiti has appeared on street signs, electricity sub stations, walls and bus shelters over the last month.

The same bomb stencil can be seen in several locations around the village, near Christchurch.

Police posters have been put up in an effort to deter the vandals.

Cllr Colin Jamieson said: "We are very proud of our village and it is sad to see every piece of street furniture is scrawled on in such a mindless way.

“The cost to the community to make good this damage is excessive and, because the county council does not have surplus funds to spend on removal of graffiti, the cost may fall to the parish council and paid for by residents. I urge the police to make every effort to apprehend these people and seek community reparations."

Cllr David Flagg said: "I feel it iniquitous that residents should foot the bill for what would appear to be the antics of a mindless few.

“Our residents come out three times a year to clear up litter and there is a cost associated with this, to clear graffiti would cost thousands of pounds.”

Burton Parish Council chairman Judy Jamieson said: “This is simply wanton vandalism.”