Repeated graffiti attacks on subways in Weymouth is putting a community project at risk, it is claimed.

As reported in the Echo, groups are working on an initiative to brighten up the underpasses in Weymouth, aiming to get them cleaned and painted with vibrant new murals.

It got the go-ahead following a £7,000 grant from Weymouth and Portland Borough Council.

The council says however, that these efforts look likely to be undermined as the subways are being persistently covered in unsightly graffiti.

Police are investigating the damage caused on subway walls at the top of King Street and next to Radipole Lake and are appealing for information to identify the culprits.

Cllr Mike Byatt, Community Safety Briefholder at the borough council, said: “This project is a fantastic community effort, which could improve our underpasses.

“Sadly community efforts to transform these neglected places into vibrant arty spaces are being put in jeopardy as they are being consistently covered in graffiti.

“I’d like to appeal to anyone spraying graffiti to support their community by stopping.”

The community project to brighten up the subways and lift people’s spirits was the subject of a consultation event at the Waverley Community Hub in September. People voted on the type of artwork they would like to see – with natural, historical and magical themes the favourites.

In total, more than 200 people have supported the project by sharing their views.

Speaking at the consultation event last month, community development worker Julie Hursthouse said: “The idea is to give people a sense of pride in their area. People are fed up with the graffiti in the subways. This will brighten up the area and make people happy.”

Murals were painted in parts of the resort including in the subways back in 2011. It proved popular so this project aims to expand on it.

The project involves representatives from Westham Community Group, the borough council, Aster Housing Association, Dorset Waste Partnership, East Boro Housing, The Veterans Hub, and WeyPROGRESS.

Volunteers will work with street artists Peter Sheridan and Andy Smith on the new murals.

Anyone with information about the graffiti is asked to contact Dorset Police at www.dorset.police.uk, via email 101@dorset.pnn.police.ukor by calling 101, quoting occurrence number 55180164959.