A TOWN mayor who was silent after racist graffiti appeared on a park tree says a statement on the matter would not have had an effect on the offenders.

In a Woodstock council meeting on Tuesday, councillor Mathew Parkinson also said that by 'publicising' pictures of the tree, the perpetrators got 'exactly what they want - attention'.

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He said he would like to see the graffiti 'swiftly' removed.

Councillor Sharone Parnes had called on the mayor to address the incident.

He says an announcement would have helped people report information to the police as well as 'backing up' those who felt offended or threatened by the graffiti. Police were contacted for an update.