A HISTORY project set up along the River Weaver has been vandalised with graffiti – a week after being officially unveiled.

A number of display boards that illustrate the salt history of the River Weaver valley between Winsford Town Bridge and Newbridge went on display last month.

But within days of being erected the boards were targeted by vandals, ‘tagging’ three of the boards with the letters, WYF.

Jim Greenwood, chairman of the Friends of Weaver Parkway, the volunteer group that delivered the project, said: “We were fully expecting something to happen to be honest.

“We designed the boards so the actual board couldn’t be touched. It’s unfortunate but it’s kids, it happens.”

Jim said members of the group used anti-graffiti cleaner to remove the markings over two days.

He also revealed that one of the boards appeared to have been hit with an axe.

“It was gutting if I’m honest, because it’s happened within a week of them going up, especially since they have had a hell of a lot of a positive reaction since going up," Jim said.

“But it’s just kids being kids. It’s probably a reflection of the society we now live in.”

Numerous people took to Facebook to air their disgust at the vandalism.

Ailsa Gaskill-Jones, the mayor of Winsford, also took to the social media site to express her disappointment at the ‘mindless vandalism’.

Cllr Gaskill-Jones said: “This is absolutely despicable and incredibly depressing for those of us who wish to promote all of Winsford's positive aspects.

“The recent Winsford Salt Fair was such a fab opportunity to shine a light on some of the great outdoor spaces on our doorstep.

“This mindless vandalism does make we wonder whether we are wasting our time.”

Robert Ledwards said: “It's pathetic, but expected! Hopefully they will be found out and shamed.”

Some Facebook users some pointed to the lack of youth provisions in the town for such behaviour.

Kelly Swift said: “Kids do this because there's nothing to do around here now where for them to go.

“So what do the town council expect? Kids are bored, give them something to do instead of spending money on plants that they pull up anyway.”