VANDALS have defaced anti-Bearscroft Farm signs in Godmanchester.

Campaigners against the proposed 750-home development on the outskirts of the town are angry at the damage done to dozens of signs and banners, which have been spray-painted with large black crosses.

The signs had been put up by the protest group Godmanchester Residents against Bearscroft (GRAB).

Campaigner Miriam Radford said: “We’re very disappointed. It’s mindless vandalism but my concern is that people think we are NIMBYs, we are not in way, shape or form.

“We recognise the fact that people need affordable homes but there are plans for homes in Alconbury.”

As well as signs being damaged in a small area around Tudor Road, some signs have disappeared.

“Graffiti isn’t a problem in Godmanchester, really,” Mrs Radford said. “Everyone is encouraged to voice their opinion and if you support Bearscroft that’s fine – but show that in a different way. Put your comments on Facebook.”

The large banner, which had been displayed on a wall adjacent to the Exhibition pub, will not be replaced. Mrs Radford explained that she didn’t want the owner’s property to be damaged should the vandals strike again. However, she did ask that anyone wishing to support the campaign put up posters in their front windows.

The posters urge supporters to sign up a Facebook group, where there is also a link to an online petition, which has more than 200 signatures. A paper petition has attracted more than 1,300 signatures and will be presented to Huntingdonshire District Council next week, in time to be put before a cabinet meeting scheduled for September 13.

Mrs Radford said: “We’ve got a lot of support and we get a huge amount of via our email address.”

GRAB has been in close contact with HDC and the group is hopeful that their opinions will be taken into account.

Mrs Radford said: “We don’t want to stop progress, we just want them to deal with it carefully.

“We want the best for Godmanchester.”