A community is locked in an ongoing battle with a “vandal” intent on spraying the word 'snap' across the neighbourhood.

People living and working in Harrow’s Headstone Lane said the area is “blighted” by the graffiti, most of which is scrawled in white paint. 

Volunteers regularly get up early to scrub out or paint over the vandalism, but their hard work is often for nothing as the tags reappear soon afterwards.

Ward councillor Chris Baxter (Con, Headstone North) explained many people were “very upset” by the situation as they have put effort into improving their neighbourhood.

Read more: Outcry as leaseholders asked to pay £25,000 to remove cladding

He said: “I am livid. This vandal shows absolutely no respect for the residents and businesses along Headstone Lane and the commuters using Headstone Lane Station every day.

“Local residents kindly volunteer their precious time maintaining the flowerbeds and donate their own plants. This is a lovely area.

“Residents have, understandably, had enough of waking up and seeing another round of graffiti from the railway bridge all the way to Parkfield Avenue.”

He added there is “nothing artistic or colourful” about the bulk of the graffiti, a stark contrast to displays across the borough which have been painted with permission. 

Cllr Baxter said the damage means there will be increased costs for local businesses – many of which are still battling the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic – and Harrow taxpayers. 

He urged anyone with any information or CCTV recordings to consider pooling their resources together to help catch those responsible. 

The Metropolitan Police said no reports had been made regarding the incidents in Harrow.