Blackpool rainbow zebra crossing defaced with graffiti

Councillor Jane Hugo said she "couldn't get her head around" the vandalism

A zebra crossing that was given a rainbow makeover in solidarity with a seaside resort's LGBTQ+ community has been vandalised.

One of the two crossings on Dickson Road in Blackpool has been sprayed with black paint.

The vandalism came after one town leader said there had been "some negativity" on social media in response to the upgrade.

"I just can't get my head around it," said Blackpool Council's Jane Hugo.

The environment cabinet member said it was "sad and disappointing" that the crossing had been defaced, but stressed there had been far more positive responses to the rainbow designs than negative ones.

Crossings on Dickson Road in Blackpool have been upgraded to include a multi-coloured design

"It's really sad that in this day and age people are having such negative feelings about it and then to physically go out and spray over the zebra crossing," she said.

"This is something that we sought funding for to create a really safe, accepting area, so that when people come to Blackpool they know they can be safe."

The makeovers come as the resort develops its ''Be Who You Want To Be' area, which aims to boost inclusivity and help regenerate the north of the town.

Blackpool Council said the new thermoplastic graphics, that reflect the Progress Pride flag colours, "brightened up the area" in a show of "solidarity" with the long-established LGBQT+ community.