TAUNTON’S famous Rainbow Path has been vandalised.

Part of the Goodland Gardens walkway, painted in the colours of the Pride flag and unveiled ahead of the 2021 Pride event in Somerset’s county town, has been daubed in white paint.

Taunton Town Council has reported the incident to police and appealed for anyone with information to come forward.

Leader of the council, Tom Deakin, said the attack would have a “negative impact on how our LGBTQ residents feel”.

“I was very disappointed to learn of the wilful act of vandalism committed in the early hours of this morning in Goodland Gardens, one of our open spaces,” he said.

“More so, given that the nature of the vandalism would suggest that it was motivated by prejudice and intolerance.

The brightly-coloured path was unveiled in 2021. Picture: Paul Jones

“It has been reported to the police and we have asked the CCTV team at Somerset Council to assist with the enquiries.

“We utterly condemn this act, as well as limiting the use of a public space, it undoubtedly has a negative impact on how our LGBTQ residents feel.”

He said the council was working with GoCreate, the community interest company that installed and maintains the walkway, to organise repairs.

“We are working with our partners, including GoCreate, to ensure that this is cleaned up as soon as possible,” Cllr Deakin added.