New Norwich store’s boost for graffiti campaign

A campaign to rid to streets of Norwich of unsightly graffiti is to be given a �500 boost from a new store which is set to open in the city later this month.

The Evening News Graffitibusters campaign, supported by Norwich police along with Norwich City Council, the Central Norwich Citizens' Forum and the Norwich City Centre Partnership, was launched earlier this year.

It has already attracted dozens of volunteers, armed with brushes, to attend paint-out sessions, as well as offers of help from organisations like The Mall Norwich. And now national home and garden retailer Wilkinsons, which is moving into the former Co-op Store in St Stephen's Street, has pledged its support.

The store, which opens on Thursday, September 22, will be providing the campaign with �500 worth of vouchers to help purchase paint and other equipment.

Store manager Keith Yandall, said: 'We are especially proud to be supporting the Evening News' Graffitibusters campaign with a donation of �500 worth of Wilkinsons vouchers to go towards purchasing paint, rollers and cleaning equipment, to give areas of the city blighted by unsightly tags a much needed facelift.'

The generous donation has been welcomed by Julian Foster, chairman of the City Centre Safer Neighbourhood Action Panel (SNAP).

He said: 'I'm most grateful for the support and help they can offer us.'

Earlier this month the Evening News reported the crackdown on graffiti would continue after it was chosen as a priority at a recent meeting of the city centre team's Safer Neighbourhood Action Panel (SNAP).

To find out more about the campaign visit www.eveningnews24.co.uk and click on campaigns.

Have you got a story? Call Peter Walsh on 01603 772436 or email peter.walsh@archant.co.uk