Councillors say they are “disgusted” at racist graffiti that has been left at an Accrington park.

A swastika has been left on the artificial turf cricket pitch at Bullough Park.

The pitch was only laid earlier this month, in response to call from residents and Spring Hill ward's Cllr Munsif Dad.

It is the second time this year that racist graffiti has been scrawled on community assets in the Spring Hill area.

Graham Jones, former MP for Haslingden and Hyndburn, thinks it may have been caused by off-road bikes.

Lancashire Telegraph: Racist graffiti has been left on a new cricket pitch at Bullough Park in AccringtonRacist graffiti has been left on a new cricket pitch at Bullough Park in Accrington (Image: Graham Jones/Kimberley Whitehead)

He said: “I am disgusting that vandals have already damaged the new pitch and [left] a swastika on it.

“After all the hard work by the local councillor, councillor Munsif Dad to get this pitch, this type of action is demoralising.

“This is the second recent incident where fascist symbols have been used and is of concern.”

Kimberley Whitehead, councillor for the Spring Hill ward, reported the incident to police.

She told the Lancashire Telegraph: “We have seen an increase in hate crime reports in recent months across Spring Hill. 

“This concerning and unsettling for residents in the area and I have reported the latest incident to the police and the council. 

Lancashire Telegraph: A new cricket pitch at Bullough Park in Accrington has been vandalisedA new cricket pitch at Bullough Park in Accrington has been vandalised (Image: Graham Jones and Kimberley Whitehead)

“Tackling hate crime is a priority, both Cllr Munsif and myself are committed to ensuring the borough has no place for hate.

“Racism has no place in our community and this mindless act means our young people and residents lose out.”

In May the Spring Hill Community Centre on Exchange Street was completely trashed.

A swastika was painted on the wall and further anti-Semitic drawings could also be seen on another wall.

Pictures showed almost every part of the building vandalised with windows and doors smashed, furniture broken, paint emptied on to the floor and children’s toys damaged.

Anyone with information about the park vandalism should contact 101 quoting crime reference: 04/122415/23

Lancashire Police has been approached for comment.