Graffiti lout defaces castle

A route from Balderton to Newark has been defaced by a vandal who has sprayed the nickname “Outlawz” in at least 18 places, including Newark Castle.

The lout has struck at buildings including churches, shops and homes in locations including Barnbygate, St Mark’s Place, Baldertongate and London Road.

“Outlawz” has been sprayed in three places on the castle. The chairman of the Friends of Newark Castle, Mr Allan Towler, urged anybody who knew who was responsible to report them to the police.

He said: “It is a tragedy that the castle has been targeted with graffiti.

“We hope and expect that all the townsfolk, of whatever age, respect and value the castle and what it brings to the town.

“It is a jewel in the crown of Newark and it is a shame that it should be vandalised in such a way.”

Mr Towler said: “It saddens me greatly. ”

A district councillor, Mrs Nora Armstrong, the portfolio holder for environment, said: “I just think it is disappointing when people are prepared to go and do this.

“The castle is unique and special but it is not only Newark Castle. They shouldn’t put graffiti anywhere.

“I think it shows a lack if pride in where they live.”

She said the district council had a machine to remove the graffiti but the more they had to use it, the more money had to be spent at a cost to tax payers.

Mr Rene Mouraille, the Newark Castle ranger, said that it wasn’t the first time the castle had had graffiti sprayed on it.

He said: “The castle has been there for the best part of 1,000 years. Any damage, I suppose, damages the fabric. It is unfortunate for us and for the townspeople.”

The graffiti appeared on walls in St Mark’s Place, including over the old toilet doors and on walls next to the service road near Wilkinsons.

Mr Stewart Basford, the centre manager, said that the landlords of the buildings would be contacted and it would be for them to decide when they would be cleaned.

A garage belonging to Mr John Birchall (55) of London Road, Balderton, was also defaced.

In Barnbygate, the Methodist Church, the new Co-op site and houses on the corner of Barnbygate and Sherwood Avenue and on Whitfield Street just off Barnbygate were sprayed.

The word can also be seen high up on the building of Newark Register Office, on the wall of the path next to Morrisons supermarket, Newark, on Newark Bus Station and on the fence of the Total Garage on London Road, Balderton.

It is on the back wall of Ladbrokes betting shop, on the path between the Market Place and Newark Parish Church.

Mr Paul Gee, the deputy manager at Ladbrokes, said that they would contact the landlord of the shop to let them know the graffiti was there because the building was listed for protection.

Christ Church, on Boundary Road, also has two graffiti on the back of the building.

Inspector Martin Holford, of Newark police, said local officers suspected someone but were keen to hear from anyone who could confirm the identity of the vandal.

Information should be given to the police on 01636 605999.