A WELL-wisher who tried to raise people's spirits by writing encouraging messages on the ground in chalk has had a call from an ‘embarrassed’ police officer telling her to stop the ‘graffiti’. 

Sarah Webb drew a tree-like vine on the paving slabs in Wallingford’s Market Square, adding leaves with positive words like ‘compassion’ and ‘community spirit’. 

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She hoped others would add their own messages while on their daily walks before it washed away in the rain, and took to Facebook to urge others to get involved.

But Wallingford Town Council spotted it and called the police – saying it was ‘criminal damage’ and it needed to be stopped.

A police community support officer, who said she was embarrassed about making the call to Ms Webb, then passed on the message from the angry council. 

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Ms Webb said: “The idea was to encourage other people on their daily exercise to add to the piece with messages of hope, love and thanks – with their own chalk.

“A PSCO phoned me to express her ‘embarrassment’ but stated that the town council were concerned about the safety of residents adding to the chalk message with regard to social distancing.” 

Ms Webb added: “My chalking, which used normal chalk and will be washed away by the rain, was intended to enable a positive outpouring of love and support for the community.” 

Taking to the Wallingford Town Council Facebook page, Ms Webb explained the situation again, adding: “The chalking in question is for our community and there seems a lot of love for it. I’m sure you have better things to do for your community, in this Covid-19 emergency, than waste police time on chalking.”

To which a council representative replied: “Please refrain from further criminal damage, encouraging graffiti and discouraging social distancing.

"Your (sic) right we have far more important things to do at this time but do contact us to work alongside us as suggested by the police we welcome your ideas.” 

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Chief inspector Matt Bullivant, the deputy LPA commander for South and Vale said the force was not investigating any criminal offences, but added that residents have been urged to stay inside unless it is vital. 

He said: “Although we appreciate the thoughtful sentiment of writing messages of support for the NHS, we would like to remind members of the public that you should only be outside for essential needs, those being shopping for basic necessities, for example food and medicine, one form of exercise a day and any medical need or to provide care or to help a vulnerable person.”