RESIDENTS have been outraged after vandals damaged an art installation which plays an atmospheric soundtrack inspired by the coast.

Yobs attending an “organised rave” pushed over the Beach Hut at Noses Point Car Park on East Cliff Road, in Seaham, between Friday night and Saturday morning.

The work, commissioned by Trust New Art, the National Trust’s contemporary arts programme, and sounduk, has been on a visit to the town since last Wednesday.

The soundtrack was created by Martyn Ware, of Heaven 17 and The Human League fame.

Visitors have been invited to enter the mini sound booth to record their thoughts about what the coast means to them.

Following the incident at the weekend, residents vented their anger on the Facebook page Seaham Have Your Say, with 185 people leaving comments condemning the actions of hooligans, believed to be from out of town.

Polly Eldridge, a spokesperson for the art project, remained upbeat.

She said: “The Beach Hut has got a bit of damage to it, but it’s nothing really bad and will be repaired.

“The main thing is we have got lovely comments that people have written inside it, which shows that people have enjoyed the opportunity to talk about the sea and celebrate a beautiful coastline.

“As in any area there are always a few who don’t value these things.

“We have met so many brilliant people over the last week. They have been very friendly and keen to talk about their memories of the sea.

“We’ll try and not let the incident be the lasting impression (of the visit) - and it won’t be.”

Joiners have repaired "superficial damage" caused to the installation's window frame.

Today (Monday, July 6) was the installation’s last day in Seaham, before it moves on to Orford Ness, Suffolk and finishes up in Porthgain, Pembrokeshire.