A popular Oswestry mural was defaced last week when graffiti was daubed all over a nearby wall.

White lettering was spray-painted beside the 45-metre long New Tracks artwork on Cross Street last Sunday night.

The same slogan, which carried the name of a man but has since been painted over, was also visible elsewhere in the town.

Deputy Mayor of Oswestry, Councillor Vince Hunt, said the vandalism is “lunacy”, adding: “What mindless idiot does that kind of thing?

“That piece of artwork is there for our community and for somebody to come along and do that shows a lack of respect for the people of Oswestry.”

Artist Anna Roberts returned to the shopping area of New Street in July to repaint the mural after it was damaged by workmen last year.