VANDALS have hit Burnham-on-Sea for the second time in two weeks and defaced a replica railway signal on Marine Drive.

The railway signal, which is owned by Burnham and Highbridge Town Council, was tagged by vandals with the word 'TOPIK' earlier this week as well as an information building at Apex Park.

The graffiti comes just a week after the Weekly News reported vandals had tagged artwork by John D'oh and Burnham Spray Jam which adorns the walls at The Victoria Hotel, Nick Tolley Photography and Vape Escape.

Tatiana Cant, town clerk for Burnham and Highbridge Town Council, said the council is 'terribly disappointed' the artwork and signal have been defaced with 'unattractive' graffiti.

"We are really fortunate to be able to enjoy magnificent murals painted by excellent street artists who have chosen a range of themes: some fun and others beautiful and inspiring," Ms Cant said.

"This helps to bring the town to life and makes Burnham stand out as a more interesting, quirky place to visit and also brings a smile to the face of local residents.

"I have always been delighted that these have been well respected and not interfered with up until now.

"We are really disappointed to see similar graffiti on the railway signal post which is an important part of our town’s heritage.

"It is a real shame that a few individuals feel the need to make their own mark in this way – and sadly the end result is that the artwork is diminished and our streets become less attractive."

A number of residents have hit out at the vandals actions and said their actions are 'deplorable' and 'wrong'.

Resident, Charlie Tillam, said: "It's shocking, there is no respect these days and too many rules about what you can and can't do.

"In my young years if you did wrong the police would be round your door and you would get a clipped ear>"

Mike Lang, a Burnham resident, said: "I think it is deplorable and demonstrates a complete lack of respect for other people's hard work."

Ms Cant said the town council is supporting the police in their investigations to track down the culprits and would like to see young people get more involved in the town's art scene.

"We would love these young people to have a positive input into the artwork of our town and to use their artistic skills to help enhance our town centres," Ms Cant said.

"There is a great opportunity to become involved this weekend at the BoSfest event when a group of street artists will be at work around the town creating new pieces of artwork.

"Anyone who’d like to become involved and learn new skills can come along on the day and say hi to the artists to find out more.”