A CHIPPENHAM parish priest was in for a shock after returning home from holiday to discover that graffiti had been sprayed on the walls of his church.

Rod Key, the parish priest at St Andrew’s Church, returned from a week away with his wife, Sue, on Saturday (October 21) to discover that someone had used black spray paint and left identical marks in three separate areas.

“I think it must have been spotted by the neighbours as the first I knew about it was when I saw a community officer in the churchyard,” said the Rev Key, who has been at the church for nearly two years.

“I usually walk around last thing on an evening and I went across and they showed me the graffiti.

“It’s certainly not Banksy and it’s rubbish graffiti, at least do something with a bit of imagination. Anyone can draw a pair of t*ts.”

The markings, two of which were on the church walls and the third which was on the side of a shop, have now been removed at the cost of £250.

“It’s easy to do but a real headache to clear off,” said Rev Key.

“We had to get some specialists in, as you can’t do it with a pressure washer.

“We do have the occasional problems with anti-social behaviour but this is the first time we’ve had a major defacing.

“It’s just sad that someone wanted to do that.”

The Rev Key says he is not angry and believes more should be done to cater for people who wish to do graffiti.

“I’m very much in favour of having a graffiti wall somewhere in town might be a good,” he said.

“It’s something I feel is a major problem, perhaps the town can think about the youth.”

A Wiltshire Police spokesman said: “We received a call on October 21 reporting criminal damage to St Andrew’s Church in Market Place, Chippenham.

“The walls and main front door of the church had been spray painted sometime between October 17-21.

“House-to-house inquiries have been carried out and police would like to hear from anyone who saw or heard anything suspicious in the area between these dates.”

“Call 101 with information.”