Shock at graffiti on Amble’s Little Shore
Graffiti painted on the breakwater at the Little Shore has left people shocked and sad, with families using the beach saying it had spoilt their enjoyment of the area.
Vandals had painted a ‘stop the boats’ message in large letters on the sea wall, along with a St George’s flag and the number 28000.
Graffiti at Amble’s Little Shore appeared over the August Bank Holiday weekend. Photo: C. Connolly
Comments on social media were in the most part very critical of the act. The Ambler asked several people for their views, on the understanding they would remain anonymous.
One person described how they felt at seeing the graffiti: “The first thing that came into my head was that I was both saddened and disappointed. We were on the Little Shore this afternoon with our granddaughter enjoying the weather with many other families, but sadly that gross graffiti was staring us in the face.”
Some were of the opinion that whatever views people might have on the subject, the graffiti was not acceptable.
Some blamed social media for attempting to stir up hatred and division.
One said: “As a majority white, working class demographic who’s never seen a migrant crossing you have to wonder why people feel so strongly about this? Social media algorithms have been weaponised by bad actors to distract regular people from the real issues facing us. Home ownership, food prices, access to health services are not the fault of asylum seekers but that of the politicians and the mega rich. The same people now who use these means to turn us against each other – with real life consequences – and sadly, this is evidence in and of itself that they are succeeding.”
Another person expressed their feelings of disgust at the graffiti: “I reported this as a hate crime to the police. I think some people on social media in positions of power have been sharing xenophobic rhetoric which has emboldened people who share those discriminatory views. It disgusts me. When I think of my child who plays on that area every week, it breaks my heart. A few weeks ago I brought some friends of mine who are Iraqi refugees to Amble. We came to the beach, we had ice cream, we all had a lovely time. If they saw this they would be frightened.”
The Ambler also contacted Amble’s two county councillors asking for their views on the matter. Cllr Pauline Davidson said, “I don’t condone the damage, but it represents the feeling of the people.”
Cllr Arty Hume told us, “The graffiti on the breakwater is criminal damage. It’s not the place for that kind of thing. I’m shocked at seeing this in Amble.”
A pressure washer has been used to begin to remove the paint. Photo: Anna Williams
Warkworth Harbour Commissioners who own the land have begun the task of removing the paint.
A spokesperson said “We are very disappointed at the graffiti to the Port, this is taking a lot of time, effort and financial cost to try and remove which is unfair on Warkworth Harbour, as we are a Charity with limited resources. We are here for the benefit of the people of Amble and work hard all year to keep the place clean and tidy for everyone. This incident has been reported to the Police, and CCTV covering all the Harbour area will be shared with the Police when incidents occur.”
Anna Williams
