Graffiti threatens Wombourne's Best Kept Village campaign
Calls have been made to remove graffiti from a historic bridge in Wombourne as it is threatening the Best Kept Village campaign.
The bridge by the Round Oak pub has been heavily daubed with graffiti.
South Staffordshire MP Gavin Williamson said the vandalsim near to Bumblehole Lock on Canal Walk could threaten the all-important bid to be named Best Kept Village.
He has been in touch with the Canal & River Trust and asked for the graffiti to be removed.
Residents have contacted Mr Williamson complaining about the vandalism.
Mr Williamson said he wanted 'quick and speedy action' to erase the graffiti.
He added: "These are historic structure and they are being ruined.
"I have had complaints about graffiti on the canal bridge and it needs sorting out.
"I've been in touch with the Canal & River Trust which owns and is responsible for the upkeep of the bridge and asked for it to be removed.
"This is very important for Wombourne which has been successful in the Best Kept Village competition in recent years and things like this put it at risk.
"If graffiti starts appearing in one place it can often spread and we want to keep Wombourne looking its best.
"I'm urging the powers-that-be to take quick and speedy action to make sure this is removed."
Four years ago ,vandalised bridges in Wombourne were left covered in graffiti because of red tape, with the former British Waterways organisation saying only 'specialists' could scrub it off.
Members of Wombourne's Best Kept Village committee had been ordered to take training before being allowed to scrub off spray paint.
But British Waterways said it could not afford the £2,000 bill to have them cleaned.
The vandalised bridges were near Ounsdale Road and Giggetty Lane.
