By Declan Carey

Graffiti with sectarian slogans was removed in Stockport today after being reported to the police this weekend.

The offensive messages were spray painted on buildings around Castle Street in Edgeley with EVF markings – believed to stand for Edgeley Volunteer Force – on display around the area.

Greater Manchester Police (GMP) confirmed a crime was reported regarding the graffiti, which was found on the back of shops on James Street, on the side of a building on Newton Street, and on Moseley Street.

The site is near Stockport County Football Club which last year launched an investigation into sectarian chanting at a match at Edgeley Park against Harrogate Town.

Councillors from the Edgeley Community Association condemned the vandals and called for a joint effort to stamp out religious hatred.

Group leader Cllr Matt Wynne told the Local Democracy Reporting Service: "We're aware that Edgeley District Centre was the site of numerous acts of criminal damage overnight on Friday which included wording of a highly offensive nature.

"Given the proximity of it to a Catholic primary school, GMP have made us aware they are investigating this as religiously aggravated criminal damage and it has all been removed this morning on public time and expense.

"A lot of work is taking place between the council and Stockport County Community Trust as part of Stockport's status as GM Town of Culture to introduce positive public artwork in Edgeley. To see this is both sad and strange.

"We hope the club join us in speaking on behalf of the people of Edgeley in condemning this nonsense which seems to be bigotry masquerading as football support."

A Stockport Council spokesperson said: "This is something we take very seriously and, since being made aware of the graffiti, we have removed it as soon as practicably possible. 

"We would ask anyone with any information about this to report it to the police or they can telephone Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111."

Stockport County FC was contacted for comment.

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