Efforts to scrub out graffiti in Leighton Buzzard frustrated as vandalism 'quick to reoccur'
Attempts to scrub out graffiti in parts of Leighton Buzzard have met with reoccurrences of the criminal damage, a meeting heard.
But work is ongoing by Leighton-Linslade Town Council to tackle the vandalism by continuing the removal work using a contractor.
The local authority’s grounds and environment committee wants to “engage with those responsible for the graffiti” in the hope it helps to develop solutions”, according to the minutes of its latest meeting.
It also wants to consider how other localities deal with similar issues “for best practice”, said the minutes. “Unfortunately graffiti was quick to reoccur and this is an ongoing issue, along with vandalism.
“Despite CCTV being operational in many parts of the town, such as the parks, this isn’t proving an effective deterrent.”
A report to the committee identified all the hotspots reported and the action taken, with 14 of 26 targeted sites cleaned up initially.
LLTC decided the amount of work required exceeded the capacity of the grounds and environmental services team, which has other large projects to complete.
An organisation called ‘Graffiti Away’ has been doing the removal work for the town council. The cost of the graffiti removal is £5,250, excluding VAT.
This will be covered by the community safety revenue budget. The town council has acknowledged: “The external contractor is efficient and effective, but the sum paid is significant.”
Among sites being cleared are Leighton Pumping Station, a Highfield Road sign, four electrical boxes in Harrow Road, and two bus stops and a litter bin in Stanbridge Road.
Community engagement forms part of the local authority’s agenda around graffiti, explained the report to the committee, which also noted: “The graffiti removal is a temporary solution, unless the issue is addressed from all angles.”
“Bedfordshire Police and its police community safety officers (PCSOs) visit schools to relay the message that money spent removing graffiti means less to spend on youth projects, services and events.”
A graffiti reach out programme with local artist Dan Easton, who created the murals at the Splash ‘n’ Play site, is another effective publicity tool, added the report. “This helps encourage and harness the artistic potential of young people, and hopefully guides them away from anti-social behaviour to more productive avenues.
“A recommendation would be for regular sessions, perhaps once a month, rather than a one-off event. Consideration could be given to establishing a part-time town ranger role to focus on matters such as graffiti removal.”