Locals are shocked at the recent appearance of swastikas, spray-painted on walls and bus stops in Andover town centre just days after Armistice Day services to honour victims of war.

The overnight vandalism has been described as ‘shocking’ as council workers and members of the public tried their best to quickly remove the offending messages.  

Councillor Phillip North said: “In the week of Remembrance it’s shocking that someone has decided to draw this symbol of National Socialism and Anti-Semitism around our town that past generations made so many sacrifices to defeat. My thanks to council officers for removing it as soon as possible.”

The swastikas were added to by a host of other spray-painted messages this week, much to the dismay of Councillor Iris Anderson:  “I walk around my ward regularly reporting any graffiti I see to get cleaned up. We are currently looking at options to potentially provide a graffiti wall so proper street art can be managed and appreciated. Sadly, this is neither and I’m glad it’s been removed. A huge thank you again to our environmental services team for removing this so quickly.”

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BID Manager Shelley Coburn has been working hard to organise Christmas events to draw locals and visitors into the town centre during the Festive period. She said:   

"It’s disappointing to see our community impacted by this type of hateful vandalism. Andover BID is here to support a community that values tolerance and mutual respect.  Such markings detract from the town’s appearance and give a negative impression to visitors and residents alike."

A statement TVBC's website reads: "Graffiti is antisocial behaviour and the Council takes a pro-active approach to dealing with it.

"Although the council is not responsible for removing graffiti, we monitor the Borough and the owner of any affected property is contacted and advised of the problem. We also give advice on how the issue can be tackled. 

"Preventing and removing graffiti helps to improve our local environment and the quality of life for many residents: reducing the fear of crime that it causes and increasing pride in the community."