AN appeal has been launched to find out who is responsible for damage to a mosaic wall created by almost 2,000 volunteers in a Leominster underpass.

The 40ft long, 9ft high, mosaic was erected on a path under the town’s bypass in the summer of 2006, at a cost of around £9,000.

Volunteers aged between two and 92 helped complete the project. Damage was initially caused to the wall by extreme weather conditions but volunteers now believe the site is being targeted by vandals.

Janice Barrett, the mosaic's artist, said: "There are now 12 boards missing. It looks like someone is wrenching the boards off."

The mosaic is now owned by Leominster Town Council which said it is going to contact the local policing team about the damage.

Angela Pendleton, another volunteer, added: "In my view this is a superb piece of community art work.

"It saddens me that someone has come along and – what seems to be deliberately – vandalised that piece of art work."

Everyone who helped create the mosaic and was part of the community project signed a book which forms a valuable historical record of all those involved.

"We have made a good start on the reparation and I'm hoping in a few months time it will be back to its former glory," added Mrs Pendleton.