Queen Street businesses 'shocked' by red paint vandalism

A number of Queen Street businesses have been left in shock after vandals covered them in red paint overnight.

The bright paint was doused across an empty store undergoing refurbishment with the neighbouring Square Roots salon and Queen Street Interiors also suffering damage.

Debbie Cairns, owner of Square Roots, said a fellow member of staff first spotted the vandalism when arriving to work at 8am.

She said: “Obviously it was a shock, as you can imagine, and unpleasant because at the end of the day I don’t know why someone would do that.

“For my neighbour as well, bless him, it was the whole of his shop.

“It was only half of our window but it’s still not very nice, we’ve still got to clean it all off and get it sorted out.”

Thames Valley Police confirmed to the Advertiser it received a report of criminal damage at 8.30am this morning.

It is appealing for witnesses or anyone with further information to contact police on 101, quoting the reference number 43250069388.

The red paint also covered part of the Queen Street pavement but the council has since applied a green substance to help with the clean-up operation.

Debbie added: “It’s just horrible when you’re feeling ‘why did this happen’. But nobody was hurt, nobody was killed.

“Putting a positive spin on it, yes the paint’s got to come off, yes it’s a nuisance but we can still carry on working.

“Hopefully they don’t come back.”