AN artist has made an urgent plea to tackle antisocial behaviour outside a £28 million gallery.

Tim Johae was passing through the open area surrounding Firstsite when he noticed a large group of youngsters skateboarding and loitering.

He was shocked to witness one of the group smashing a metal fixture, on the side of a step, to pieces.

The vandalism was taking place as the incredibly popular Grayson Perry exhibition was open to the public.

Mr Johae, of Mersea Road, Langenhoe, said: “Firstsite is a place very close to my heart, I was involved with talking about having a contemporary arts venue in Colchester.

“I usually notice a group hanging around the area and never take much notice of it.

“But there was this chap with what I can only describe as a boulder smashing one of the metal fixtures near a seating area.

“He was smashing it to pieces.”

He added: “When I saw the guy doing it I shouted across: ‘You can’t do that,’ and he just looked up in surprise.

“There were around 14, apparently feral, youngsters in the area.

“I just thought it was heartbreaking to see these kind of actions, to see this going on in what is essentially the artistic centre of our town.

“It must have created a bad impression for those attending the high profile and well-attended Grayson Perry exhibition and a poor image of Colchester to those visiting the town.”

“I have been involved in the arts in Colchester for a long time and it just saddens me to see this sort of thing happening.”

The worried 77-year-old said he tried and failed to find an on-duty police officer or council zone warden to alert them to the damage.

And he is now appealing for action to combat antisocial behaviour in the vicinity.

The vandalism took place at around midday on Saturday, November 25. Mike Lilley, Colchester councillor responsible for public safety, said: “I am aware of what is going on around the Firstsite area.

“I have set up a meeting with Firstsite, the police and wardens to see what action we can take.

“I have also approached Colchester in Bloom as part of plans to make the area more attractive.

“A lot of people have been climbing on the old buildings and I am aware of criminal damage to bricks leading along to the Open Road clinic.

“We are also looking to put a barrier in place.”

He added: “I would urge witnesses to phone the police on 101. it is still really important cases of antisocial behaviour are reported.”