Borough winning battle against graffiti

Timely reports from members of the public and hard-working graffiti removal teams have ensured the volume of graffiti across the borough is declining.

In 2004/2005, 87,393 square metres of graffiti was removed from areas across the borough. That figure had fallen to 39,626 square metres in 2010/2011.

Last year, the council's graffiti removal teams responded within 3 working days to reports of graffiti - and 24 hours for offensive and racist graffiti - in 99 per cent of cases.

One of the big success stories of Wandsworth's Graffiti Removal Service has been its education programme, which is offered to primary schools across the borough.

Since its launch seven years ago, graffiti levels have fallen over 50 per cent, and service costs have fallen in line with this as a result.

The council's housing spokesman, Councillor Paul Ellis, said: "Our Graffiti Removal Service has worked tirelessly to ensure that Wandsworth remains a clean and pleasant place to live.

"Since 2004, the service has cleaned up more than 460,000 square metres of graffiti and ensured that it does not gain any kind of foothold in our borough.

"As well as remedial action, the service also does a lot of work in schools and youth clubs to educate young people about the pitfalls of getting involved with this kind of vandalism and learning about the damage it can do to the local environment."

The education programme takes the form of a show, which uses colourful characters to entertain and teach pupils about the perils of getting involved with graffiti.

Youngsters in years 5 and 6 at Ronald Ross Primary School , in Southfields, were the latest to watch the anti-graffiti themed interactive musical show, which was performed by the Dangerous Theatre Company.

The school's learning mentor, Sue Winter, said: "This was considered to be the best show anyone had ever seen at our school.  All the kids loved it.

"They were engaged, had great fun and learnt a great deal. It has led to some great discussions amongst them."

Local environment quality surveys across the borough in 2010/11 showed that only 2 per cent of graffiti was classed as being present in unacceptable levels, as determined by Government guidelines.

Graffiti can be reported 24 hours a day to the Graffiti Hotline by calling 020 8871 7049, emailing graffiti@wandsworth.gov.uk or by visiting www.wandsworth.gov.uk/graffiti