Graffiti Busting in Old Town (Swindon Liberal Democrats)

Swindon Liberal Democrats <info@swindonlibdems.org>

Graffiti Busting in Old Town

December 13, 2006 2:58 PM

Campaigner Steven Pipe examining graffiti

Swindon Advertiser: THE streets of Old Town have been given a facelift by the council's anti-graffiti team.

Scrawls of paint that defaced homes and businesses were blasted off or painted over yesterday after the Adver highlighted the problem in the area.

In just one day we had photographed more than 50 examples of graffiti in Victoria Road and the surrounding streets.

And now a lot of the mess has been removed. Swindon Council's director of environment and health, Steve Harcourt, said it was vital people reported any graffiti to a special number at the Civic Offices to keep on top of the situation.

He said: "The message we would like to get across is please tell us about it'.

As for yesterday's crackdown, he said: "It came through the article in the Advertiser. As a result of that we came round and had a look and there was a lot of it about.

"We are one of the few councils in the country to provide a free service to householders. We are happy to take graffiti off free of charge."

Mr Harcourt acknowledged that some may see the clear-up as a blank canvas' but urged anyone who sees any graffiti reappear to phone in.

Coun David Wood (Lib Dem, Eastcott), who has organised a crime forum meeting at the Savernake Street Community Hall on Tuesday at 7pm, said it was important to find a long-term solution to the problem.

"We will be discussing the general problem of graffiti at the meeting," he said. "It's good that the council are out and about doing something.

"But what we have seen in the past is that as soon as it is cleared up people go straight back there and do it again.

"Some people spend a lot of money getting rid of graffiti and then it comes back with a vengeance.

"We need a proper, ongoing strategy to tackle the root of the problem because one blitz is not enough.

"I am glad to see they are doing something about it as a result of the article in the Advertiser. We have been reporting it for quite a while."

Coun Stan Pajak (Lib Dem Eastcott) said: "It's about time they did something. It is a big thing and we were desperate to get it clean. There's a need to make sure it doesn't hang around because that encourages more grafitti."

To report graffiti to the council call 01793 463463. If you know who is responsible for it call Swindon police on 0945 408 7000.