Baradine residents have expressed their disappointment over an unsightly act of vandalism at the town’s sports oval.

It is believed that the incident occurred early this year when vandals defaced sections of the grandstand with objectionable and overt graffiti images.

Baradine Magpies football club president, Adrian Worrell says he is deeply disheartened by the act of defacement and damage.

“Warrumbungle Shire Council has worked hard to maintain and upgrade this vital recreational area in our town to make it more enjoyable for the community,” he said.  “So, to see it vandalised in this way is not only a waste of ratepayers’ money but also makes the area unsightly and unwelcoming.

“Graffiti vandalism is a crime. Estimating the true cost of graffiti vandalism is difficult because many people do not report it. Now Council has to spend money cleaning up this unsightly mess when the money could have been better spent elsewhere.  

“We are working closely with our local police to ramp up surveillance efforts to deter offenders, but we need the community to support us by reporting graffiti when they see it.

“Our club is committed to maintaining a safe and respectful sports environment for all, so let us come together to protect and preserve this popular local sporting space.”

A spokesperson for the Warrumbungle Shire Council says that Urban Services will have to take time out of their busy work days to remove the extensive graffiti vandalism (pictured above).

“Removal of graffiti vandalism not only costs money and takes time; it disrupts work schedules and means that planned tasks that benefit the community such as mowing, emptying bins, cleaning the streets and trimming trees have been delayed.

“Council plans to paint over the graffiti due to the volume of the vandalism, which will require the purchase of materials and the labour associated with the graffiti remediation.”

NSW police say that there are some distinctive styles and drawings that someone may recognise in the graffiti and they urge anyone with information to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or the local police.