Staff at the national park say they are “deeply saddened and appalled” that signs on an “inspiring” walking trail have been stolen in what is thought to be a racially-motivated attack. Thirteen plaques along the Sussex Heritage Coast on the South Downs from Seaford to Eastbourne were stolen, with offenders using a screwdriver to prise off the plaques. The screws were then screwed back into the posts.
The plaques were linked to 13 audio stories that are part of a new inspiring trail unveiled last year called “We Hear You Now”. The signposts where the plaques were unscrewed (Image: SDNPA) The trail celebrates the connection that local writers of global heritage have with the landscape and has been enjoyed by thousands of people. As no other plaques were targeted in the area, park staff said they can “sadly only assume that the theft is targeted and racially-motivated”.
It has been reported as such to Sussex Police. READ MORE: Vandals who set fire to playground equipment cost cash-strapped council 'thousands' Tim Slaney, interim chief executive for the South Downs National Park Authority, said: “This is a deeply shocking and appalling crime and we stand in full solidarity with the writers who put their hearts and souls into this project over many years to create a trail that many people have enjoyed. The writers and all our staff are understandably devastated.
“National Parks were created for the benefit of the nation and have always been for everyone to enjo.