WILTSHIRE Council’s portfolio holder for transport has condemned ‘mindless vandalism’ in Trowbridge which could cost the town council hundreds of pounds to repair.

Cllr Horace Prickett was frustrated to discover that the bus shelter outside Wiltshire College in College Road had been covered in pink graffiti.

He said: “It’s a shambles and a great shame.

“As well as covering the shelter in graffiti they have smashed the glass at one end which means there is no protection from the rain for people waiting for their bus.

“This is just one example but it applies to all acts of mindless vandalism in the town.

“Because Wiltshire Council no longer has enough money to carry out maintenance work to bus shelters, it means the town council will have to pick up the costs.

“Having the glass professionally fixed and the graffiti professionally cleaned could easily cost them hundreds of pounds.

“That means there is less money available for important things such as elderly healthcare and schools.

“It may seem like a small act of vandalism, but it all adds up and has a big knock on effect on everyone else.

“So I would urge people to think twice before doing something like this in the future.”

Earlier this year in September, Cllr Prickett criticised the organisers of Field Trip Festival, which was held in West Ashton in August, after they covered bus shelters in Trowbridge and nearby towns with posters before the event.

Cllr Graham Payne added: "While it's true that the town council is responsible for the maintenance of some bus shelters in Trowbridge, it is not responsible for this one.

"Wiltshire Council make bus shelters safe but they do not carry out full repairs, which is a shame as it means people waiting for the bus to town aren't protected from the elements.

"The sooner we can stop idiots from doing this kind of thing the better."