COVID-DENYING vandals have been slammed for spraying a 'scamdemic' message in Renfrewshire.

Graffiti claiming the virus is a lie was discovered on a wall next to a bridge in Gallow Green Road, Paisley, by Councillor Kenny MacLaren.

Similar messages were sprayed on walls near Paisley’s Royal Alexandra Hospital and the Phoenix Retail Park, on the outskirts of town, last year.

Councillor MacLaren, who has previously called for tougher action over the spread of misinformation around Covid, said he is concerned about the impact the latest message could have on people going for jabs amid the rapid spread of the Omicron variant.

"It was bad enough when the graffiti first appeared last year but it looked as if those responsible had disappeared," said the Paisley Northwest member.

“Unfortunately, as the UK Government announced that more than 150,000 people have died from the Covid pandemic across the UK, we still have some morons spreading lies which could impact on vaccination rates.

“Reports from health boards have highlighted the problem with unvaccinated Covid patients taking up beds in hospitals, impacting on the care available to others, yet morons are still spreading lies about vaccinations and the deadly impact of Covid.

“Anyone who has suffered from Covid or who has lost a relative or friend through it must be upset when they see this graffiti.

“I’ve asked the council to remove this as soon as possible.”

According to latest figures from Public Health Scotland, 459 people in Renfrewshire have died after testing positive for coronavirus.