‘There is no place for racism in our town.’

That’s the message from Bridport after a racist slur was sprayed on skate park equipment.

The discovery was made at the Tannery Road park on Monday.

It was reported to Bridport Town Council by a member of the public and promptly removed – but it has sparked anger and condemnation from the community.

A spokesman for the town council described it as ‘an appalling act of hate’, saying: “This is appalling and completely unacceptable.

“Racism, along with other forms of bigotry, has absolutely no place in our town and I am sure the whole community will join me in condemning it. I’m grateful to our grounds team who attended quickly to paint over the graffiti, but I would appeal to anyone with information about the incident to contact us.

“Bridport is the UK’s only rights respecting town and we want the perpetrator to understand why this act undermines everyone’s rights, along with the deep offence and hurt that this kind of behaviour causes.”

Bridport’s mayor, Cllr Ian Bark, said he was ‘shocked and surprised’ by the graffiti.

Bridport and Lyme Regis News:

  • Bridport mayor Cllr Ian Bark has criticised those responsible

“I’m also disappointed,” he said. “Bridport is better than this. We are a rights respecting town and this is completely out of character for the town.”

It was little more than a week ago when the mayor wrote in his blog about the importance of reporting racist incidents. It came after learning of a ‘small number’ of incidents in the town.

At the most recent meeting of Bridport Town Council, the open forum - a public discussion on a particular topic – was based on the issue.

Cllr Bark said: “It is fair to say that whilst recorded incidents of racial hate crime are very low that does not mean it does not exist here in Bridport.

“Please, if you see anything or experience anything yourself - report it. If you’re not comfortable reporting something to the police then please report it to us at the town council. We will support you all the way.”

The town council is appealing to anyone with information about the skate park incident to contact them by email enquiries@bridport-tc.gov.uk or phone on 01308 456722.