A BEAUTIFUL corner of Croxley Green is being targetted by vandals.

Lock 79 of the Grand Union Canal, more commonly known as Common Moor Lock, is a popular spot for walkers, cyclists and horse-riders using the canal towpath or wishing to explore Croxley Common Moor.

The lock and bridge over the canal to the moor were built in the late 18th Century and retain many of their original features, yet both are now covered by graffiti.

David Wynne-Jones, chairman of Friends of Croxley Common Moor, said that the battle against graffiti is "never-ending." He said: "It's very disappointing seeing all the graffiti by the lock. Grafitti is a big problem but fortunately when it gets cold graffiti artists do not get out much so the problem tails away."

Tom French walks past the lock and over the bridge every day. He said: "The graffiti is spoiling the area. Yobs shop at the top of Mill Lane and come down into the woods to drink the beer and then who knows what happens. People sit in the woods and make a mess and that mess needs to be cleared up."