Last updated 19:28, Thursday, 06 November 2008

MARYPORT’S new look Carlton Cinema has been defaced with graffiti two days after being repainted.

Owner Stephen Wood, who is opening a ceramics business in the revamped building on the corner of Curzon Street and Senhouse Street, said: “It is so disappointing and disheartening.

“We’ve moved from Stoke to bring business and jobs to Maryport.

“We repainted the whole building and the scaffolding came down late last week.”

Mr Wood said that town centre police officers Paul McConaghy and Hubert Wiosenski had been very co-operative and he had a lot of support from the community.

“I was here at the weekend looking at the damage. Everyone who walked past commented on how disgraceful this was,” he added.

He said he would have no hesitation in urging prosecution of anyone found defacing his property.

He added: “The police have also told me that they will be talking to the people who congregate here and will be keeping an eye out on the property for me.”

The new business, which will include a cafe, will open early in the new year.