‘MORONIC’ vandals have once again targeted an historic landmark.

Names, swear words and racist comments have been daubed on the new dome at Darwen Tower for the second time since it was put in place last year.

The top blew off in high winds in October 2010 and apprentices at local metal fabrication firm WEC made a new one, which was donated to the town by company owner Steve Hartley.

The top was put back in place by a helicopter in January last year amid dramatic scenes watched by a large crowd on the top of the moors.

Darwen Town Council deputy chairman Coun Trevor Maxfield was disgusted at the vandalism.

He said: “This is yet another case of mindless vandalism at one of our most precious landmarks.

“Darwen Tower has been there for more than a century, but these people have no respect for that history.

“A lot of hard work went into replacing that top and it has been spoiled already by moronic vandals.

“I hope somebody will report those responsible to the police and they are prosecuted.”

Among the writing scrawled on the dome in black marker pen were: “Danny (pigeon)”, “Arron (Cena)”, “Jimmy (lamb)”, “Brad (El-Sayed)” and “Jamie (sunbed)”. A large face had also been drawn, with the name 'Rob Hilton' written below.

One walker who had visited the tower said: “It has been covered in racist slurs and people's names.

“They need to do something about this because it is getting ridiculous now.

Another said: “I just hope it doesn't get to the point where they have to lock the door for good.

“If they did, I could understand why, but it would be a great shame for those of us who enjoy walking up there and admiring the views.”

The dome was vandalised in March last year, just two months after it had been replaced.

However, one 16-year-old boy admitted to taking part in some of the vandalism and, as part of 'restorative justice', he worked with the Friends of Bold Venture Park, where he helped to weed and trim bushes.