SADNESS has been expressed at the vandalism of two Pride installations in a Taunton park.

A graffiti message was daubed on artwork on the side of the former Debenhams store.

And the town's iconic Rainbow Path in Goodland Gardens was also defaced during the attack believed to have taken place over the bank holiday weekend.

The graffiti on the Pride artwork on the vacant store contained the word 'Repent', suggesting it may have been sprayed on the building by someone from a religious group.

One of the organisers of this summer's Taunton Pride event said the LGBTQ+ community will not be deterred by the incident.

Patch Jobson said: "We weren't overly happy about what happened, but we want to reassure the community that we're already on it.

"We're going to get the Rainbow Path refreshed and we've had a conversation with the original graffiti artist about removing the vandalism from the side of Debenhams."

Mr Jobson paid tribute to arts group Go Create, which came up with the idea of the Rainbow Path and crowdfunded for it to happen.

"Taunton Pride CIC and Go Create are going to be working together top rectify both acts of vandalism in Goodland Gardens," added Mr Jobson.

"It's very upsetting in 2023 to see people who have these views and want to express them in this way.

"But we're making a stand as a community.

"It isn't going to get to anybody."

Mr Jobson is confident the art on Debenhams wall and the Rainbow Path will be restored to their full glory ahead of the Taunton Pride event on Saturday, July22, when a march through the town centre will be followed by a gathering of thousands of people in Vivary Park to enjoy live music, entertainment, a community village, funfair, a traders' market, street food and bar.

The Rainbow Path, believed to be the first in the UK, was created in Goodland Gardens in the summer of 2021.

Supporters say the 62-metre path running from Bridge Street into Goodland Gardens beside the River Tone is a testament to the town's inclusivity.