Fury over graffiti attack on sign
By Michelle Hunt
Sep 1, 2005
A furious councillor has called for tough action against yobs who have daubed a Heath Hayes road sign with graffiti and swear words.

Councillor Les Bullock says the vandal-hit sign at Hayes Way is dragging the pleasant village area down.

And he says those responsible should be punished for their actions.

He branded the act as ''mindless vandalism'' and said it would had a negative impact on the area's image.

"It is absolutely appalling and there is no need for this sort of pointless vandalism. You have to wonder what sort of stupidity leads to acts like this," he said.

"This sort of antisocial behaviour is the last thing we need, we have changed from being a little village to a big village and we don't want vandalism like this to be a reflection of that.

"We all live in this area and it is important that we all respect it and ensure that it is as pleasant a place as possible."

Vandals have targeted other road and information signs in Heath Hayes as well as play equipment.

Last December yobs sprayed ''Hell'' on a road sign, also on Hayes Way, that pointed to Cannock.

The graffiti sparked an outcry among many residents, who found the vandalism offensive.

Councillor Bullock added: "I will be taking this matter up with the council; it is unacceptable.

"The first question I would ask the people responsible is 'why'? I cannot understand why anyone would want to bring the area down.

"It is not big or clever to spray graffiti anywhere and it is certainly not big or clever to spray swear words that people both young and old find extremely offensive."