A number of road signs on the B4409 and a bus stop on the A5, have been defaced just as tourists from across the border are expected to visit.

Cllr Gwen Griffith, a Welsh speaker who has lived in the region for more than 20 years, slammed those responsible for the racist graffiti, which was reported to her early on Wednesday morning.

She said: "We don't need this kind of vandalism when we are coming up to the busiest weekend of the summer - the paint will not be able to be cleaned off before the Bank Holiday weekend, and we depend so much on tourism here.

"It causes bad feeling in the people around this area, and also among tourists."

Cllr Griffiths added: "This is very, very worrying, as every penny we have to spend on replacing signs may be taken away from an essential services.

"I hope the people who have done this are made responsible for what they have done and I hope the police do chase it up so it doesn't have to lead to cuts in essential services."

Also of particular concern is the defacing of give way signs, which, cllr Griffith claims, is putting both Welsh and English road users at risk.

She said: "I'd point out that this not only endangers English road users, but also Welsh road users who don't speak Welsh."

Gwynedd Council's Arfon area engineer, Meirion Williams explained that the paint had been daubed on the Class three road leading from Bro Syr Ifor to the Half Way Bridge, as well as on many road traffic signs in the area, as well as on a nearby bus shelter and on private property.

He said: "As well as being illegal, painting markings or graffiti on any highway or road traffic sign can endanger the lives of road users - accordingly, we will be arranging for these to be cleaned as soon as possible.

"We have contacted the Bethesda Community Council to inform them of the damage to the shelter."

A spokesman for North Wales Police confirmed that the matter had been reported, and was currently under investigation.

Anyone who may have information is asked to contact officers on 0845 6071001 (Welsh line) 0845 607 1002 (English line), or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.