Discussion Forum

Funding for Graffiti Removal

Feedback from West Norfolk Council in January 2007

"I totally agree with what you say. Although we have had a little success with the Probation Service cleaning up Graffiti in the ward I represent, in my experience Councils would rather leave it. Up until now there have been limited resources to do so. There is a debate to be had on who removes graffiti from privately owned homes."

Response from GraffitiHotline

There are two issues with cleaning graffiti from private property, funding and permission. Each Local Authority takes a view on clearing graffiti as part of the services provided within the Council Tax/Business Rates. The argument is that clean streets is part of the requirement for attracting residents and business to a particular area and hence finance for the Local Authority. Many Local Authorities offer the service free, while others charge in certain circumstances. The issue of permission is also covered in the forum.

Feedback from Colchester Council in August 2006

"I am a ward councillor in Colchester where graffiti is a great problem making the whole estate look untidy and uncared for. As most of the graffiti is on private property we, as councillors have had to fight tooth and nail to try to get this unsightly mess removed, we are not classed a a deprived ward so funds are not available and home-owners do not think they should pay for something they have not done.

We have at last managed to get our Council to do a one off clean as long as we get disclaimers signed, other wards have street wardens to help with this and have equipment for removal, but again we are not eligible for this.

I have also been trying unsuccessfully for over 3 years to get 2 subway tunnels muralled which is complex and time consuming, again not a deprived ward so nothing comes our way. I have tried to get a graffiti wall but have not been allowed.

Why are wards such as ours always left out? I do have pockets of deprivation which are not recognised owing to the many owner/occupiers and expensive housing on this large estate, covered in concrete without a thought as to the provision of facilities for youngsters to keep them occupied and out of trouble