Just days after being replaced, signage at Bromsgrove’s much-loved BirdBox has been vandalised again.

The quirky, bird-themed, bespoke signage was vandalised initially a few weeks ago and was replaced last Wednesday (21 April) with screws and glue for extra security. Just days later, last Friday (23 April), reports of the signage being damaged again, flooded in from visitors.

The initial replacement was funded as part of the Government’s “Welcome Back” scheme, designed to help high streets get back on their feet now that shops can reopen.

The BirdBox area plays an important part in encouraging people back to Bromsgrove by providing the opportunity for safe, distanced seating and open space for shoppers, customers, and local staff to enjoy whilst in the town centre.

Bromsgrove Centres Manager, Simon Creed, said: “My heart sank when I saw that vandals had targeted BirdBox yet again. Especially after releasing a statement just last week to say how we hoped it would be used to its full potential again soon.

“This vandalism is so much more than just ripping a piece of plastic off some hoarding. What they fail to realise is that it is not just a minor inconvenience or a minor cost to someone. By vandalising the space, they are discouraging people from coming to BirdBox which will have serious knock-on effects for not only the economy, but to local businesses who have already struggled so much in the past year as a result of Covid.

“We are looking at our options for changing the signage in the future, but it makes me really sad that it even has to be a consideration.”

It is unlikely that the signage will be replaced in its current format, or whether funding will be available to change it, but discussions are taking place about this. In the meantime, Bromsgrove District Council’s CCTV team will be reviewing footage from nearby cameras to try and identify the vandals.

Simon added: “After releasing images of the vandalism on our social media pages, we have received no end of support from people who share our disgust and sadness at this selfish act from a small minority of people. It really showed me how much the space is loved, used, and appreciated by so many. BirdBox is for everybody and we must take pride in our local centres.”

The Birdbox was launched last year as a space to hold events from pop up restaurants and craft markets to youth festivals and multimedia evenings. In between lockdowns last year the space opened to support local businesses, providing seating and tables for visitors to buy food and drinks from local traders, plus pop-ups.

BirdBox was delivered by North Worcestershire Economic Development and Regeneration (NWEDR) on behalf of Bromsgrove District Council.