BRAZEN teenagers sprayed a graffiti mural on a canal bridge in front of witnesses who say confronting them only sparks 'a mouthful of abuse'.

Tom Neale said one teenager sprayed the 'artwork' under the Bilford Road bridge in Worcester on the canal while his wife immediately reported the incident to police.

The Canal and River Trust - a charity - says every 'disappointing' attack like this costs hundreds of pounds to repaint. 

Mr Neale said despite reporting the criminal damage to West Mercia Police on the non-emergency number 101 the day it happened - Tuesday, April 11 - police still have not been back in touch. 

The 68-year-old, who lives about 20 yards away from the tag on the Worcester to Birmingham Canal, said: "My wife not only saw them doing it but reported it to West Mercia while the "artist" continued with his masterpiece.

Worcester News: TIGHT: The gap by which youths gained entry to the section of canal near Bilford Road left covered in graffiti TIGHT: The gap by which youths gained entry to the section of canal near Bilford Road left covered in graffiti (Image: Supplied by Tom Neale)

"It's now April 21 and they still have not been so it's no wonder these characters get away with vandalism.

"They - three of them - also daubed on the towpath side but the volunteer lock keeper has painted it out already.

"I am sure the police have more serious issues, however, this won't go away unless it's dealt with and I feel an opportunity has been missed.

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"The painter struggled to climb back out and I dare say as I live in the lock house, one day I may have to help fish one of them out. It is dangerous and they are putting themselves at risk."

He says the couple has challenged people about the graffiti in the past but did not do so this time. "We just get a mouthful of abuse - it's not worth it," he said. 

To get to the spot, teenagers have to slide through a gap between the bridge and a brick wall which lies on the opposite side to the canal towpath.

To get out again they then have to clamber along the wall and shimmy along a ledge of wood fixed to the wall to protect the brickwork from boats.

He has previously raised concerns about children messing about on the canal lock and, six weeks ago, saw a woman jump in the canal to save her dog. He also said he saw one girl, about 14, swimming in the canal.

A spokesperson for the Canal & River Trust said the bridge was owned by Worcestershire County Council and had been 'graffitied and painted over several times'.

They are in contact with the council to get permission to once again paint over this graffiti with a group of our volunteers. Every time this happens it costs the charity a few hundred pounds for materials and colleague time to remove.

She added: “It’s so disappointing that some people choose to graffiti along our canals and vandalise these precious green spaces. We work with local volunteers, community groups and businesses to keep our canals a welcoming place for everyone so when they come to visit, they can enjoy spending time in nature and being by water. It’s a shame a few want to spoil this for everyone.

“As a charity we have limited resources and funds to look after our canals so every penny counts. Having to deal with vandalism is an added expense we cannot afford at a time when the cost living and purchasing of materials is at an all-time high.”

West Mercia Police has been approached for a comment.