A PENSIONER was left ‘trembling’ after her home was vandalised in a graffiti spree that hit several communities.

Mary Gomersall, 92, faced a mix of shock and anger when her daughter informed her that the side of her house in Cudworth had been covered in paint, with vandals writing ‘Barry M grass’ across the wall.

Hers was one of countless properties hit in the early hours of Wednesday morning, with residents in both Cudworth and Grimethorpe finding the mysterious text scrawled across their homes and in at least one case on the back of a van.

Residents the Chronicle spoke to have no idea who the person named is, or what caused the incident.

“I’m going to be quite honest, I’ve been trembling,” Mary told the Chronicle.

“I’m not frightened, I’m very annoyed and upset that somebody wants to do that.

“My daughter came round first thing to tell me - she said ‘don’t be upset’, but I am upset.

‘Now I’ve got my son-in-law out there cleaning it off - it’s not fair is it?”

While the damage is minimal, Mary says that her biggest concern is that someone could commit this crime only metres away from where she laid sleeping.

Kate Thompson, who lives just up the road from Mary and also had her house vandalised, added: “It’s all over houses in Cudworth.

“A lot of people are affected.

“When I was driving out this morning I just saw it, but wasn’t sure why it happened.”

Council workers were quick to respond, and by midday had headed out to residences affected to clear off the mess.

Coun Wendy Cain, cabinet spokesperson for public health and communities, said CCTV is being reviewed.

“We do not tolerate antisocial behaviour of any kind in our communities and it is a shame to see that Grimethorpe and Cudworth have been recently targeted by a spate of graffiti.

“We are aware of those who have been affected by this graffiti and our team have taken action to clean the areas that have been vandalised.

“Our team are reviewing any available CCTV footage and working alongside colleagues in the police to identify those who have done this.

“Damage of this kind is a criminal offence and can carry significant penalties.

“If anyone has any information about who is responsible, they can share this via safer@barnsley.gov.uk or anonymously through Crimestoppers.”

Inspector Richard Mangham said: “We are aware of reports of multiple incidents of graffiti in Cudworth and Grimethorpe.

“Enquiries are ongoing and I would like to reassure residents that we have launched investigations into these incidents and are working with Barnsley Council to resolve the issue and to remove the graffiti.

“Anyone with information that could help us with our investigation is asked to contact us on 101, quoting investigation number 14/37389/25.”