A WICK villager at the centre of a controversial housing development has told vandals who daubed graffiti on his new garage to "put up or shut up".

Michael Cox was disgusted to discover the words 'built by a corrupt council' daubed in 18-inch high white paint on the wall of his garage last Wednesday.

The retired GP is building a two-bedroom house in the garden of his property in Wick House Close.

A group of villagers, led by MEP Edward McMillan-Scott, has been campaigning to have the building's planning permission, granted by Wychavon District Council, revoked.

They believe the development harms a nearby conservation area.

Dr Cox said: "The graffiti has now been washed off but most people are disgusted with the incident.

"If whoever wrote this thinks Wychavon is corrupt the only person who has any interest in corrupting them would be myself.

"If they have any information they should give it to the police, and if they have not they should shut up."

Police spokesman Richard Bull said: "Officers are continuing with their inquiries in relation to an offence of criminal damage reported in Wick last week."