SOMERSET NEWS: Vandals smash up Christmas spirit at historic hotel

MINDLESS vandals have gone on the rampage and smashed up a Christmas display at a historic Somerset hotel.

Management at the Swan Hotel in Wells described the vandalism on Sunday (December 18, 2016) as a “sad day.”

“Christmas spirit smashed,” they said on social media as they looked at clearing up the mess left behind by the culprits who caused damage to the festive wintery scene created at the 15th century coaching inn located opposite Wells Cathedral.

The vandalism has led to a flood of comments from angry locals on social media and have said they hope the vandals are caught and “named and shamed.”

One person wrote: “Such a mindless act – words fail me.”

Another said: “Lock ‘em up and throw away the key.”

PHOTO - TOP: Posted on social media by the Swan Hotel on Sunday (December 18, 2016) following the vandalism.

PHOTO - RIGHT: Posted on social media by the Swan Hotel earlier this month as hotel staff put the finishing touches to their Christmas scene.

While another wrote: “Some people really are very sad or very ill to want to do this. I hope you catch them.”

“The people who do these things should be named and shamed,” said another. “What sort of upbringing makes people do this if it’s drink or drugs that cause it they still need naming and shaming and get help. Disgusting behaviour.”

Visitors to Wells have also spoken of their disappointment.

“We travel from Leeds every year to stay in Wells and see this,” said one visitor. “Let’s show the mindless, selfish, stupid fools that their acts of vandalism won’t ruin Christmas.

“We can all get together and show how much their behaviour will make us even more determined to enjoy Christmas while the cowards that did it hide in their shadows.”

Sadly the management team at the Swan Hotel in Wells also run the Shrubbery Hotel in Ilminster and that hotel suffered similar vandalism to its own Christmas display last year.

Anyone with information about the vandalism can contact local police on 101.

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