GRAFFITI has again been discovered at a Pensnett beauty spot, leaving volunteers feel they are fighting a losing battle.

Volunteers from the Friends of the Fens Pool have expressed their frustration after discovering the newly daubed graffiti, only a couple of weeks after cleaning up an earlier round.

They believe the graffiti is made by off-road bikes in defiance of a Public Protection Order which bans bikes from riding on the reserve.

The newly found graffiti includes pro-bike slogans such as 'Bike Life' and also offensive language.

Mark Giles, chair of the Friends, said: "Yet again our area is being spoiled by a mindless few idiots who think it is funny to post this appalling filth just weeks after we cleared up after them.

"It is so disheartening when so many people take pride in our area and then in a few minutes, a few people can spoil enjoyment of the area for everyone."

Councillor Judy Foster, Pensnett ward councillor and Deputy Leader of the Council, said: "I know how hard the Friends Group work and how much of their own time they put in so that the nature reserve can be enjoyed by visitors and residents. I will be meeting with senior officers and the Chief Superintendent shortly to discuss the measures we can put in place to deter these repeat attacks. The work that groups like Fens Pool Friends are important to us and unless we act, we are in danger of losing the benefit of the great work they do in partnership with them.’’

The reserve is a Site of Special Scientific Interest, due to great crested newts having habitats there and six months ago a Public Space Protection Order was put in place on the site, banning vehicles from driving anywhere on the reserve.

The Friends of the Fens Group formed last year to clean up and protect the reserve.