A town mayor has called for a stop to mindless criminal damage seen at Britain's most easterly landmark.

Over several days, Lowestoft's 12m Euroscope at Ness Point has been badly damaged, with many of the panels lifted and damaged and the central disc stolen.

The landmark - which cost around £18,000 at the time it was unveiled in 1997 - is a popular site for visitors year-round, especially during the longest and shortest days of the year.

Lowestoft Journal: The sun rise at Ness Point. Picture - Richard GirlingThe sun rise at Ness Point. Picture - Richard Girling (Image: Richard Girling)The price to replace the Euroscope will cost thousands of pounds in taxpayers’ money.

Lowestoft mayor Sonia Barker said: “I am appalled by this mindless vandalism that has taken place at this important landmark. 

"I know many people enjoy visiting Ness Point and taking in the Euroscope and this criminal damage has ruined Lowestoft’s unique geographical landmark, especially with the Winter Solstice approaching."

Lowestoft Journal: Plates ripped from the Euroscope. Picture - Lowestoft Town CouncilPlates ripped from the Euroscope. Picture - Lowestoft Town Council (Image: Lowestoft Town Council)The feature, sited prominently on the seaward side of the sea wall at the North Denes, contains numerous plates marking distances to capitals in Europe, to the three other cardinal points of Britain, to major gas fields in the North Sea, and locations such as the twin European towns of Waveney communities.

One of the bronze plates contains the message: “This Euroscope shows what lies over the horizon on true bearings of distance in statute miles as the crow flies.”

Lowestoft Journal: The centre plate of the Euroscope at Ness Point has been stolen. Picture - NewsquestThe centre plate of the Euroscope at Ness Point has been stolen. Picture - Newsquest (Image: Newsquest)The Euroscope, which stands in front of Gulliver - the former tallest wind turbine in the UK - was designed by then-Lowestoft Initiative officer John Wylson and made by ELW Founders Ltd.

The monument was paid for by Shell UK, Suffolk County Council, the former Waveney council and the European Union.
 
Suffolk Police are appealing for any information or witnesses to the criminal activity to report it to them, quoting Crime Reference Number 37/70320/23.

Information can be reported by emailing ccc@suffolk.police.uk or by calling Crimestoppers at 0800 555111 or 101.