A resident has expressed outrage after racist graffiti scrawled on a bridge along a popular walking and cycling route in Bury remained for weeks despite being reported. The Islamophobic slur, sprayed in black paint on the wall of a bridge that was once part of a disused railway line on the outskirts of Bury town centre, was first spotted by a 59-year-old local from the Elton area.
The man, who reported the graffiti to Bury Council approximately 10 days ago, said it was still visible when he walked the route on Thursday morning, July 2. He described the graffiti as "vile" and a "blight on the town," calling for immediate removal. The bridge spans Wellington Street, near the fire service training centre in Bury.
Resident's frustration over delay
Speaking to the Manchester Evening News, the resident said the route is heavily used by hundreds of people daily, including cyclists, joggers, and walkers. "It's on a very, very busy disused railway line route that walkers and cyclists use regularly," he said. "It's very offensive and has been there now for weeks and weeks - more than a couple of weeks anyway."
He added: "I reported it to Bury council about 10 days ago and they promised me it would be dealt with as a high priority. I've gone down there this morning and it's still there. It's not been touched. It's just completely unacceptable. Thousands of people walk that route."
The man noted that the route is often used to access Bury town centre. "It's stark and it stands out," he said. "It really shocked me when I first saw it. It's just awful and should have been removed as soon as it was reported. It's so large and it's so offensive. I am disgusted with the council and I am disgusted in Bury. I thought we were better than that."
Council response
After being contacted by the Manchester Evening News, Bury Council apologised and confirmed the graffiti would be removed. A town hall spokesperson said: "Thank you for raising it with us, we're sorry for the delay and the graffiti will be removed first thing in the morning." The removal was scheduled for Friday, July 3.
The incident has sparked anger among residents who believe the council should have acted sooner. The graffiti, which targets the Muslim community, has been condemned as hateful and divisive.
