A COUNCILLOR has attempted to distance herself from a recent statement that suggested a rare act of vandalism in Windermere pointed to ‘social unrest’ in the area.

Dyan Jones, Windermere representative for South Lakeland District Council (SLDC), made the comment during an interview last week.

The interview dealt with acts of vandalism in the town. Vandals have repeatedly damaged Covid-19 safety signs in two Lake District towns.

Signs and banners advising people to observe social distancing in Windermere and Bowness have been ripped down, slashed and even set on fire.

At least 40 signs have been damaged in the past few weeks. The incidents have been reported to the police.

Cllr Jones said the comment, broadcast on Thursday evening, “was taken out of context”.

Asked whether SLDC wished to distance itself from the strongly-worded statement, a council spokesperson declined to comment.

Cllr Jones told the Gazette: “What I was trying to say was that we should be more neighbourly during these times.

“Really, I should have qualified the statement with ‘I hope’ - rather than putting out something declarative.”

She added: “There is a lot of angst among people in the town. I worry that it’s going to be a very tough few months ahead.”

Mayor of Windermere Cllr John Saunders said: “During this terrible - and for many frightening - pandemic, many residents and businesses asked for and welcomed the Covid-19 secure signs put up by the council.

“As the shops, cafes, bars and facilities of Windermere and Bowness struggle to keep open, feeling as safe as possible in our shopping and tourist areas is very important for both our residents and visitors.

“The signs help to reassure everyone by simply asking them to follow the rules.

“It’s very disappointing that a few disagree and feel it necessary to resort to vandalism."