‘Disturbing increase’ in graffiti daubed in Norwich city centre
Grafitti on St Benedict's Street, Norwich.Picture: ANTONY KELLY - Credit: Archant
A 'disturbing increase' in the amount of graffiti in Norwich city centre will be targeted by police and council officers in the coming months.
Grafitti on a building on Ber Street. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY - Credit: Copyright: Archant 2017
A number of 'problem locations' will be targeted jointly by Norwich City Council and Norfolk Constabulary to prevent and remove the daubings.
The issue was raised at a recent meeting of Norwich City Council by Simeon Jackson, Green city councillor for Mancroft ward.
Mr Jackson said: 'Over the last six months, I have received a disturbing increase in the number of reports of graffiti in the area I represent, particularly in the city centre.
'A number of residents' premises have been continually defaced and the repeated costs for these individuals can be considerable.'
Grafitti on a building on Ber Street. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY - Credit: Copyright: Archant 2017
Labour's Kevin Maguire, cabinet member for safe city environment, said: 'Nobody likes graffiti, especially on their own property, and so I understand something of how your constituents feel when they experience it.
'When the council receives a report, it will remove it where it is on public land and/or if it is offensive. If offensive and on private land, then the council will, with the landowners' involvement, remove the graffiti.'
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He said the council's graffiti removal service does not generally extend to privately owned buildings and they would have to use commercial removal experts.
He said, where possible, the council will remove graffiti on public buildings and property within 24 hours if it is offensive or within 14 days for all other graffiti.
Grafitti on a fire door just off Ber Street. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY - Credit: Copyright: Archant 2017
However, on Mr Jackson's concern over an increase in graffiti, Mr Maguire said: 'The head of citywide services recently discussed the increased levels of graffiti in some parts of the city centre with police colleagues and some problem locations will be targeted jointly to prevent and remove the graffiti.'
The council has not yet said which locations will be targeted.
But Mr Maguire added: 'Residents, members and officers are reminded that they can report incidents of graffiti they come across on the council's website.'
Grafitti on a building on Ber Street. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY - Credit: Copyright: Archant 2017
Kevin Maguire, Labour city councillor. Pic: Submiited - Credit: Submitted
Simeon Jackson, Green city councillor. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY - Credit: Copyright: Archant 2015
