SPRAY can vandals have tagged an Old Town landmark with a devilish message.

The historic ice house in the Lawns, which was once used to store ice for the Goddard family’s table, was sprayed with a pentagram and the words 666 DEVIL TRAP earlier this week, just three weeks before Christmas.

Council workers have since removed the red paint from the Grade II listed 18th century building.

Rev Simon Stevenette, vicar at nearby Christ Church, said he had been saddened by the graffiti: “The Lawns is a really special area and one of the highlights of our parish.”

Claire Ellis, a ward councillor for Old Town, added: “I am appalled by this juvenile behaviour. It is so important that we respect our heritage. I have contacted the council to make sure this gets removed promptly.”

A borough council spokesman said: “Graffiti such as this is a blight on the local community and costs tax payers’ money, which could be better spent elsewhere. We removed it as soon as it was reported to us.

“Anyone who scrawls graffiti in the town should also remember that they are running the risk of a criminal record, a substantial fine and even a spell in prison."

You can report graffiti to the council at: www.swindon.gov.uk/graffiti.