BLUH OUT – those were the last two words certain members of the controlling group of the Swindon Council wanted scrawled in graffiti on one of the most prominent signs in town.
Some say that it was mounted by late-night vandals on Saturday evening intent on voicing displeasure about council leader Rod Bluh’s administration, which has recently been under a spotlight.
But others, including Coun Bluh himself, see it as a touch more light-hearted -– expressing pleasure in the fact “they spelled my name correctly.”
Either way, it was certainly is a provocative way to get your message across to the thousands who will have seen it throughout much of Sunday and yesterday near the Magic Roundabout.
Opposition leader Derique Montaut said the graffiti was a “blast from the past” before people had become disenfranchised from politics.
He said: “I am not sure if this is democracy in action or what, but it shows dissatisfaction with the Tories.
“The group is on the verge of imploding and some people are not happy they’re running things.
“Some of the issues of late include library closures, wi-fi, Dial-A-Ride and potholes.
“It’s about the poor delivery of services – this is the political process in motion though.”
Lib Dems’ leader Stan Pajak said: “You can see a bit of fun in it. “But to put it there in such a visible spot can cause damage.
“I do know there were a lot of people against the budget, it could have been one of them.”
In response Coun Bluh said he would first be looking into whether the stunt was politically motivated or not.
He said: “We are running closer to an election campaign so it is more likely to happen now than any other time.
“I get a high degree of abuse and intolerance as it is, so this is not too bad, at least they spelled my name right.
“I must stress this is an illegal activity.
“But to claim that it is because of in-fighting in our group is ridiculous.
“We have a bit of difficulty in the group at the moment but that happens in all groups, not just ours, but obviously the opposition are trying to play that up.
“In terms of delivering services I am not sure what Coun Montaut is talking about.
“We have gone from zero to three stars as a council and are one of the top in the country for safeguarding children.”
The council will be looking at CCTV which may have been picked up from the scene.
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