VANDALS have sprayed graffiti over historic Theatre Royal in Margate - the country's second oldest provincial theatre.

It was tag-sprayed when a number of buildings, walls, gates and private properties in the town were painted blue in an aerosol attack. Theatre director Michael Wheatley-Ward said: “If the culprits are caught blue-handed I suggest they are given a brush and some paint to come and repair the mess they have made.

“The upkeep of this theatre is a financial struggle and the cost of redecorating the outside runs into many thousands of pounds. What happens if we lay out a large such and them vandals daub the walls again?”

Mr Wheatley-Ward suggested that Thanet District Council provide a graffiti wall. He said: “Some parts of London have specific walls designated for graffiti artists. Their work can be colourful in the right place, and this could be an alternative worth considering.”

Comedian, broadcaster and showbiz entrepreneur Paul Harris, who will stage his forth summer season at the venue this year, said: “The graffiti artists could be invited to decorate temporary hoardings around empty buildings and development sites. Perhaps this would help them channel their attention away from beautiful old buildings like the Theatre Royal.

“Volunteers work extremely hard to maintain this lovely historic venue and it sickens me when a mindless minority goes out of their way to deface it.”

Addington Street, Hawley Square and the café on the main sands opposite the seafront clocktower have also been targeted. Anyone spotting the vandalism being committed, is asked to telephone Thanet police on 01843 231055 immediately.