THE image of a popular heritage and fun day could be tarnish by graffiti vandals.

That is the fear of Bob Bunn, chair of the Hythe Residents' Association, in the run up to the Hythe Heritage and Family Fun Day.

The event is set to attract hundreds of visitors tomorrow.

But Mr Bunn said the image of the historic quayside community has been damaged by the graffiti which has been daubed on walls in the area.

Mr Bunn said: "Each year we attract more residents from Colchester as a whole and it's an opportunity to showcase the Hythe to raise awareness of its history and value to the borough.

"It aims to promote the value of the Hythe as a historical area and worthwhile part of the town."

But he added: "There are big problems with graffiti in the area. If anything it is getting worse. It is a bit of an epidemic and now it is appearing in places we have never had before."

The Victorian fountain in front of Mr Bunn's house in Hythe Hill was daubed with paint for the first time along with other locations.

Mr Bunn said: "This is not artistic graffiti. The police seem to know who is responsible for some of it from the tags."

The annual heritage and fun day includes music and entertainment and events for children at Hythe Community Centre.

Blue Badge tours will speak about the area's history including the port and St Leonard's Church which dates back to the 14th century.

Shane Taylor, street care team leader with Colchester Council, said efforts would be made to paint over the graffiti before the big day.

However, he said the project had been hindered by the wet weather.

He said: "We are hoping to reapint two sites in the Hythe, on the Town to Sea trail between East Bay and Haddon Park. We are just waiting for a break in the weather because we cannot do it in the rain."

Mr Taylor said the council was keen to show it was taking action to get rid of graffiti - but added it was a continual battle.

"We painted the High Woods underpass and it has already been hit again.

"Environmental crime goes through the roof during school holidays but we will do whatever we can."