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01
Sept
‘Mindless vandalism’: St George’s flags sprayed on the Stray
The chairman of the Stray Defence Association has described a spray paint attack on the Stray in Harrogate as “mindless vandalism”.
Red and white St George’s flags have been sprayed on the Stray between Oatlands Drive and Stray Rein.
Accompanying graffiti says “our country, our flag”. The words ‘Free Palestine’ were also daubed on the grass nearby.
Judy D’Arcy Thompson, chairman of the Stray Defence Association, which was founded in 1933 to protect the Stray, said:
“This is mindless vandalism. I cannot see what they are achieving by it.”
Ms D’Arcy Thompson said it was the first spray paint attack on the Stray she could recall.
She added:
“Everyone is entitled to their own view and flying flags is fine but doing this on grass is just unnecessary vandalism.”
A North Yorkshire Police spokesperson said:
“I can confirm we are aware of it. It was reported as criminal damage at 1pm on Friday and we’re looking into the circumstances. If anyone has information about the damage, please call 101 and provide reference 12250163900.”
However, North Yorkshire Council, which manages the Stray on behalf of the Duchy of Lancaster, is responsible for removing the graffiti so the cost of any clean-up could fall on council taxpayers.
The Stray Ferret asked the council if it was aware of the issue and what action it is taking but has not had a response.
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