RESIDENTS of Crediton have been shocked by the latest graffiti to appear in the town which includes a swastika and anti-Semitic wording.

The graffiti was found on a property in Cockles Lane, off Dean Street and on Saturday, June 1, local residents did their best to scrub off what they could.

It proved difficult to remove and the volunteers, after thinking about painting over it, decided to seek the advice of a local builder.

The builder confirmed that it was whitewash, a form of lime paint, that was required and he was able to cover over the offending graffiti with just a few coats.

One of the local residents said she was “deeply concerned” about the sentiments of the graffiti.

Another said: “I can’t believe what was written and that it was written on the side of someone’s house. I know teenagers gather there but I hope by removing it that it stops such graffiti happening again.”

Alan Quick, who helped scrub off some of the graffiti, is the organiser of the annual Crediton Diversity Festival, held to celebrate the area’s diverse communities.

Alan said: “I was appalled to see such graffiti in Crediton and fortunately it is not representative of the community in which we live.

“Crediton is a welcoming place for all regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, age, physical abilities, religious beliefs or other difference.

"Valuing diversity recognises differences between people and acknowledges that these differences are a valued asset."

The Second Crediton Diversity Festival will be held at the Boniface Centre, Church Lane, Crediton, from 10am to 2pm on Saturday, June 15.

There will be information and advice stalls, music, talks, face painting, games and entertainment. Refreshments will be available.

The Festival will include information from across the wide diverse community, including local and regional organisations.

Admission will be free-of-charge and the event will be family-friendly.

The Mayor of Crediton, Cllr Frank Letch, will open the event and also present will be Cllr Nick Way, Devon County Councillor (Crediton), Matthew Tregenza, the Rector of the Crediton Benefice and Matt Lawler, the Police Commander for Exeter, East and Mid Devon.

The Festival is being supported by Crediton Town Council, Devon County Council Localities Fund, Crediton Tesco and the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Devon and Cornwall.

CISCO, Crediton International Social and Cultural Organisation, will be playing an active role at the event, as well as The Turning Tides Project, local churches and faith groups, the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner, Exeter Respect, Crediton Access Group, Exeter Pride, Exeter Communities Together, X-Plore, Healthwatch Devon, Crediton Community Transport, Cultural Champions, The Lions Club of Crediton, Exeter Communities Together, Crediton Police, The Road School, Local Heroes, Mid and East Devon Migrant Worker (PCSO Melanie Spiller) and many others.

Last year’s festival also funded some diversity educational work at Landscore Primary School in Crediton.

This year’s festival is part of CredFest 2019, the hugely-successful biannual community festival organised by Crediton’s Town Team, which runs until June 23.

Stall applications and further details are available from Alan on 07979 753571 or email: [email protected] .

Alan concluded: “Last year’s festival was vibrant, celebratory, informative, educational, colourful and exciting and this year’s promises to be the same.

“Remember, Crediton is a welcoming place for all and there is no place for racism or hate of any kind.”