Graffiti wall plan could stop attacks

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Sunday, December 06, 2009
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This is Sussex

A SPATE of graffiti attacks around Wadhurst in recent months has prompted concern about vandalism in the area.

The main affected areas have been Little Park, Baldock Road, Station Close and Ward Close, with houses, cars and car parks being spray-painted at various times.

Although the attacks appear to have calmed over recent weeks, Wadhurst Neighbourhood Watch coordinator, Tim Page, still sees it as a big issue.

He told the Courier: "We have been plagued by graffiti recently and it's something that we keep an eye on.

"Although quite a bit of it has been taken down, it's still going on in places.

"I have no sympathy with people doing it, especially when it's cars that are being damaged.

"They cost people a lot of money to repair."

As well as graffiti in Wadhurst, Mr Page also noted that there appears to be a growing amount of litter in the village.

"Litter is also an issue at the moment.

"Certain areas are getting plastered with alcohol cans," he said.

"I treat graffiti like litter as it ruins the look of the place.

"It has the same affect as it degrades the area."

The solution to the graffiti issue is up for debate, with the idea of a 'graffiti wall' being one way to combat it.

Graffiti walls are used to control graffiti by providing an area which can be used solely for that purpose.

Tom Doyle, chairman of the parish council, said although he does not see graffiti as a major issue everywhere in the village at the moment, a graffiti wall may be something that the parish council would consider.

"One of the things we have talked about is possibly creating a shelter for teenagers.

"One of the ideas was also to have a graffiti wall in the same area.

"I think that would be a good idea," he told the Courier.

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  • Profile image for This is Sussex

    by Jonathan Ansley, East Grinstead

    Monday, December 28 2009, 2:46PM

    “Graffiti walls do not work. People who like to paint graffiti do so because it is illegal. If you give them a legal alternative you are taking all the fun out of doing it. Also, if the Police find someone with graffiti paraphernalia, the person only has to say that they are "off to the graffiti wall" and the Police have to let them go. The simplest way to deal with it, is to remove it, and keep removing it.”

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