Anti-racist graffiti covers up swastikas sprayed on Peterborough walls

The symbols were sprayed on walls in Meriton and Pennington in Orton Goldhay over the weekend, causing anger among local residents. A number of eggs were also thrown at the wall.

Now the symbols have been altered, to make them look like windows, with anti-racist statements sprayed next to them.

Words on the wall include ‘peace, love and equality’ and ‘racists suck.’

After seeing the original graffiti, one resident said; “I would like to see CCTV cameras along the pathway where the graffiti happened and a increase in neighbourhood watch involvement in the area, occasional police visits to combat the rise in antisocial behaviour and graffiti, the graffiti removed immediately and some investigation to find the culprits.”

Ortobn Longueville ward councillor Heather Skibsted described the graffiti as ‘disturbing’ and said; “As soon as I was made aware of this issue, I reported it to the relevant council officer including enforcement, and await a reply. There has always been graffiti in the ward which is difficult to deal with as it often sprayed on the back of private properties.

“However, in this case, the disturbing and offensive nature of the swastika graffiti means that the owner of this property must have a swift and urgent response to deal with it and look with the council for robust methods of prevention.. Unfortunately, the cuts on local policing means we no longer have a dedicated police presence in these areas, but clearly we must deal with this swiftly and effectively to deter any recurrence.”

A Cambridgeshire police spokesman said; “We’re aware of racist graffiti that has been sprayed in Pennington, Peterborough, and we’re working with partners concerning it.

“There is absolutely no space for racist incidents like this in Peterborough. Hate crime can have a significant impact on individuals and communities.

“Anyone with information about this incident should contact us via our web chat service or online forms at www.cambs.police.uk/report for the attention of Sergeant Sam Tucker. Anyone without internet access should call 101. Always dial 999 in an emergency.”

A Peterborough City Council spokesperson said: “The graffiti at this location is not on council property so it is the responsibility of the landowner to arrange removal.

“However, owing to the nature of what has been sprayed we will contact the landowner and work with them to remove it as quickly as possible.”

A spokesperson from CKH said: “It is disgraceful to see that there has been swastika graffiti sprayed on some of the walls surrounding the cycle path in Pennington, Orton Goldhay. We are working with our contractors Mears to remove the graffiti from the walls of our properties as soon as possible and urge anyone who has any information about this anti-social behaviour to please report this to the police.”

It is not the first time swastikas have been sprayed on walls in Peterborough.

In December last year, racist graffiti was reported at The Brotherhood Shopping Centre.