One of the Island's most famous tourist spots is being blighted by a rogue element who repeatedly deface a wall with graffiti slogans and use the area as a 'hang out' creating a threatening atmosphere and claims by nearby residents that drug dealing is also taking place.

Only a short stroll from Horseshoe Bay beach the wall outside the Southampton Rangers Field, on Horseshoe Road in Southampton, has been daubed with graffiti such as "Southside Mafia" and "Cop Killers".

One resident, who asked not to be identified for fear of reprisals, said a Police patrol car or mobile presence would deter the unwanted element from congregating and law-breaking.

"When tourists come up from the beach they can see this graffiti on the wall, it is a danger point and there is something going on every day. I know there is drug dealing going on there ? I've seen it, and sometimes they prevent traffic from getting past," said the resident.

"The wall has been painted three times in the past month. It's ridiculous."