Vandalism targeting immigration has occurred in a north Oxfordshire community, coinciding with proposals for an asylum processing facility.

Offensive graffiti displaying the phrase Stop the Boats has appeared on a structure in the Bankside district of Banbury.

Local representative Ian Harwood, who serves as a Cherwell District Councillor for the Banbury Calthorpe and Easington wards, reported that following a visit to Bankside, he contacted CDC Street Scene and Cleansing regarding the markings. The incident was also logged with the property owner, GTC UK, which will handle removal.

The incident has drawn considerable local reaction, with many inhabitants pointing out the apparent contradiction of such a message appearing in Banbury, which sits far from any coastline.

Critics of the vandalism argued that attention should instead centre on wealthy individuals’ vessels that drain substantial funds from the country. Others questioned the logic behind the message, noting Banbury’s distance from the sea and asking whether the vandals harboured animosity towards waterways.

Supporters of the message countered by questioning why the truth should be erased, highlighting concerns about the rising cost of living, insufficient support for senior citizens, and claimed annual expenditure of £16 billion on asylum seekers.

The Oxford Mail has been unable to confirm the source of the £16 billion figure. Official Home Office data indicates annual spending on immigration is closer to £5.6 billion.

Local residents have previously voiced concerns that migrants have negatively impacted visitor numbers and contributed to rising crime rates in the town. They contend that the conversion of Banbury House Hotel into accommodation for migrants in 2022 has resulted in fewer tourists visiting nearby attractions including Silverstone, the Cotswolds, Blenheim Palace, and Stratford-upon-Avon.