LIDL has reaffirmed its commitment to Halstead after the derelict site it plans to move into was targeted by graffiti artists.

Vandals have graffitied slogans onto boards around the former EMD factory in Kings Road, including “random wording, trying to make a statement” and “love to the Halstead massiff ”.

The word “love” was recently removed from a planned Halstead Town Team promotion campaign – because it would attract graffiti artists.

Lidl revealed last April it planned to move to the town, and has applied to Braintree Council for planning permission to build a new store.

Julia Smith, secretary of Halstead in Bloom, said she was hopeful it will be cleared up before Anglia in Bloom judging takes place in July.

She added: “The graffiti has been reported to Lidl by myself and Halstead Town Council. It is quite rare to get it in Halstead and looks as though its the same person who has done it who was a bit worse for wear heading home.

“Whoever it was can’t spell and the handwriting is awful.

“There hasn’t been any more since and looks like it was just one stupid person.

“It is a shame.

“I received an acknowledgement from Lidl after my email reporting it.

“If needed I will go down there and scrub it off myself.

“One way or another it will be removed before the judging takes place on July 22.”

A Lidl spokesman confirmed the graffiti would be cleared up and denied rumours that the supermarket chain was having second thoughts about coming to the town.

He added: “Lidl is still very committed to building a store in Halstead.

“It owns the site on Kings Road and is continuing to work closely with the local council while our planning application is being considered. The local community have been extremely supportive of the project and we look forward to be able to serve our award-winning products to them soon.”