'Offensive' graffiti on school wall to be removed

Residents living near a primary school say they are disgusted to see "offensive graffiti" sprayed on an outside wall in front of a display of poppies.

The graffiti appeared outside Hampton Vale Primary Academy in Peterborough a few days ago.

Locals have since posted social media messages. One said: "This should be covered/removed straight away", while another complained: "That's been there for a while. I walked past it last week. [It is] disgusting behaviour."

A school spokesperson said: "We are aware of the graffiti that is on our external school wall. We reported this issue to the local council immediately after identifying/being made aware of the graffiti the following day.

"Due to this being offensive graffiti, this is outsourced from the local council to an external company to remove this. We have since been chasing the external company for an update on when this will be removed."

To commemorate Remembrance Day this year, pupils had created a display of poppies that was set just behind the low exterior brick wall at the entrance to the school. The front of the wall was later covered with graffiti. The poppy display was not affected.

The spokesperson added: "As a school, we take great pride in our physical environment. In order to commemorate Remembrance Day this year, our pupils created a beautiful display of poppies on our front wall."

The school in Hampton Vale, which is part of the Four C's Academy Trust, was rated "Good" in its latest Ofsted inspection.

Peterborough City Council confirmed the graffiti was expected to be removed by Friday.

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