A COUNCILLOR has slammed the uncaring attitude of the vandals who damaged a new community artwork for the second time in two months.
The mural created to brighten the underpass linking Goodwyns Road and the King George V Playing Field in North Holmwood was unveiled on May 4.
Painted as part of a project organised by Mole Valley District Council and the Links Community Partnership, the work included contributions from 100 residents who took part in workshops led by artist Becci Kenning.
But large sections of the mural, which was produced digitally and stuck on like wallpaper, were peeled off by vandals within just two weeks.
The affected panels – which depict local wildlife and residents in landscapes at dawn and dusk – were repaired, but this week Councillor Mick Longhurst (Lib Dem, Holmwoods) discovered two new areas of damage to the plastic strips while walking his dog.
"They've torn a patch about a foot square but the other one goes sideways about 3ft by 2ft," he said. "They get something sharp which starts it off and then it just peels off.
"The trouble is once it starts going you can complete the panel. They tore it before that weekend and I picked that bit up and stuck it back on.
"That bit has stayed on for a week or more, but they've torn it again."
Mr Longhurst said he could not understand the motivation of the vandals, adding: "It's depressing for everybody. So many people have been involved – from toddlers to pensioners. Why have they got to do it? What's the enjoyment?
"It's really sad. It's just a few who are spoiling it for the majority.
"It's been made with ratepayers' money and this minority doesn't realise it is costing their parents money.
"I think it happens at weekends when they've had a few. They think, 'Oh I'll have a pull at that' and it gets worse and worse."
He added: "What can I do to stop them? I can't do it on my own. You need police support.
"I asked for cameras years ago and they said they couldn't afford them, but surely it would be cheaper in the long run?
"I wish we could close the tunnel and put gates at each end, but of course you can't."
