Yellow Corsa blamed for ‘ruining’ tourist snaps in pretty Costwold village is written off after vandal attack

An ‘ugly” banana-coloured car blamed for ruining the view in a chocolate-box Cotswolds village has been written off after a vandal scratched the car and smashed a window.

The yellow vehicle belonged to retired dentist Peter Maddox, 84.

He is so angry about the vandalism that he has threatened to by a new car painted lime green.

Maddox had annoyed other villagers in Bibury, Gloucestershire, who complained that the Vauxhall Corsa was ruining the village, especially when he parked it close to his cottage in 14th century Arlington Row, which is owned by the National Trust.

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But the OAP insisted he had nowhere else to park and continued leaving his car on the road – until it was vandalised last week.

A yob scratched the word “move” onto the bonnet, scratched every other panel and smashed the driver’s side window and rear windscreen.

Mechanics have told Peter it will cost £6,000 to repair with a full respray, making the car a probable write-off.

But defiant Peter has said if that was the case he would buy a replacement – with a lime green colour.

“Peter is understandably upset at the loss of his car and his independence, but he is also very fond of his lovely yellow car,” said daughter-in-law Marie Kraus.

“Everyone in the village is very supportive. It is horrible to think whoever has done this has come out of their way down this little road to do something like this.

“It will be a struggle to get another car. It will leave Peter out of pocket.”

Peter moved to Bibury after his wife died 15 years ago and bought his car three years ago.

In 2015 he attracted attention when photographers took to Twitter to complain about the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty being ruined by the “ugly, yellow car”.

Villagers are supporting Peter and calling the crime “disgusting”.

Some have suggested there is “a financial aspect to the crime” and pointed the finger at a photographer who sells pictures of the village.

Postmaster Richard William, 48, said: “We are all shocked and horrified that such mindless destruction should be visited upon a normally quiet and tranquil village.

Ian Howard, owner of The William Morris Tea Room, said the culprits were “nasty vandals” with “small brains”.

He added: “Peter has not done anyone any harm.”

Police believe the crime happened between 4pm on Sunday 22 and 7.40am on Monday 23.

Sergeant Garrett Gloyne said: “We have conducted house to house inquiries. We are aware that presence of the vehicle was the bone of contention to some people.

“Nevertheless the damage caused to vehicle is beyond the pale and we would appeal for anyone who knows anything to contact us.”