Responding to offensive graffiti in Ness Park

A resident recently contacted me after discovering deeply offensive graffiti - including swastikas and racist language - in a children’s playpark in Ness Park. She shared how upsetting it was to see this in a space meant to be safe for families and young people. With her permission, I’m sharing this - though I’ve had to blur parts of the images due to the offensive nature.

I reported this straight away to Lowestoft Town Council who manage the site, and I’m really grateful for how quickly they acted to get it cleared. That kind of swift response makes a real difference in keeping our public spaces safe and welcoming.

My team visited the site to see it first-hand, and it was genuinely shocking to see this kind of hate in a place meant for children. No child should have to encounter symbols like this while playing, and no parent should have to explain them. What we say - and what we allow to go unchallenged - matters. When hateful rhetoric is normalised, it doesn’t stay as words; it shows up in our communities and in what children come to see as acceptable. This isn’t just about graffiti. It’s about the kind of country and community we want to be - one that stands firmly against racism, antisemitism, and hatred in all its forms.

That’s why last year I brought together local leaders, organisations and residents for a Community Cohesion Summit - because building unity takes active effort, not just words. You can read my joint statement with Leader of East Suffolk District Council here 👇

https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=847757771545969&set=a.124503817204705

If you come across something similar, please report it - we all have a role to play in keeping our shared spaces safe and welcoming. Tackling this goes beyond removal; it requires all of us to challenge hate and refuse to let it become part of everyday life.

Organisations like HOPE not hate are working to counter extremism and support communities - I’d encourage you to get involved https://hopenothate.org.uk