VANDALS have again defaced a controversial beach sculpture that has divided opinion in a Suffolk town.They have written graffiti on Scallop, erected in honour of the composer Benjamin Britten, on the beach between Aldeburgh and Thorpeness.

By Richard Smith

VANDALS have again defaced a controversial beach sculpture that has divided opinion in a Suffolk town.

They have written graffiti on Scallop, erected in honour of the composer Benjamin Britten, on the beach between Aldeburgh and Thorpeness. The message says: “Happy Christmas Tin Can. Move It.”

This appears to be a reference to the fact that there are some members of the public who do not think the Scallop should have been erected on an unspoilt stretch of beach.

Maggi Hambling's sculpture was first unveiled in 2003 and it has been defaced on several occasions, but this is the first incident this year.

The maintenance of the striking stainless steel tribute on the shingle coastline is the responsibility of Suffolk Coastal District Council.

A spokesman for the district council said yesterday: “The council is very disappointed that one vandal has decided to act so childishly after almost exactly a year without any problems since a very similar message was daubed upon Scallop.

“The police have far more important things to do at present then trying to identify and arrest whoever is responsible, and sadly some of this council's time and money is going to be wasted cleaning it up.”

Ms Hambling said: “It's very dangerous to think like that famous football commentator that it's all over.

“I just wish that who ever it is would write something a little more original. Anyway I wish the perpetrator, whoever they are, a very merry Christmas.”

Some campaigners believe that although Scallop is an appropriate piece of art it should be located at the southern end of Aldeburgh, at Slaughden.