A series of 'graffiti attacks' in Redhill are being investigated by police.
The graffiti was reported on a bus stop in Church Moor Lane, Hobbucks Nature Reserve and one resident reported a similar tag on the side of their house.
Redhill resident Michael Payne, who is also Labour's candidate for the Redhill ward in the upcoming local elections, said he first saw a graffiti tag on the newly refurbished steps at St Mary's Recreation Ground.
Mr Payne, then saw a series of other "similar tags" across the area and expressed his disgust at the "shocking" attacks.
He said: "I was incandescent about it. Just the fact that this is damage to local property and these people have paid for this through their council tax.
"I am determined that we do not let these people win, the clean up is going to be at the taxpayers' expense but if we find the individual, or individuals, we will make them pay the costs.
"I was born and bred in Redhill and people do not want to see this. It's a nice and respectable area and people do not want to see this kind of graffiti."
Emlyn Mousley, 42, founder of the Arnold community group, emphasised how those responsible might need "guidance" and said there is information out there about how to get involved in professional street art.
He said: "As always the information is out there if parents and youth alike seek it, street art or graffiti is a great way to express oneself, and many great artists started this way, most youths that do this are expressing some form of anger or expression or to rebel against society and system.
"Expressing oneself should be encouraged. Obviously, this is mindless tagging, so my opinion is that this young person needs some guidance and help to not destroy and be a menace as it clearly has no place in the community.
"Nottingham has a long history of street artists and an active scene exists, why not try places like Montana Shop Nottingham where youths can go to brush up on their skills, find out where they can express their art and creativity without upsetting communities.
"I hope the police and Michael Payne may be able to do some signposting to youth groups in the city that could help educate and steer our youth to correct pathways rather than just heavy-handed punishment.
"The law should be upheld, and heavy punishment for persistent offenders who refuse help should be enforced and welcomed.
"I think that's what most of us want in Arnold, a fair but firm hand, and plenty more youth services."
A Nottinghamshire Police spokesperson said: "We're aware of a number of incidents where graffiti was discovered in the Redhill area.
"The Neighbourhood Policing Team will work with local partners to investigate these reports of criminal damage."
Also standing for election in the Redhill ward are:
Michael Abbott (Conservative)
Kathryn Fox (Labour)
Tadeusz Zdzislaw Edward Jones (Liberal Democrat)
Malcolm Lulham Littlefair (Conservative)
Andrew Lowdon (UKIP)
John Antony Sutherland (Liberal Democrat)
Arrow of Robin Hood statue repaired after damage prompted police investigation
Meet the neighbourhood wardens who are the 'eyes and ears' of Gedling's streets
This is what it's like to live on one of Nottinghamshire's steepest streets
