They have hit on what might be a permanent solution, by hiring professional artists, Richard Taylor and Di Cameron, to provide a permanent work of art on the wall.

"Since moving to our current location at 120 Bunda Street in the city, we have battled a graffiti problem on the side wall of our premises," Mr Gray said. "We have painted the wall more times than I can remember and we decided to tackle the problem another way. We have employed the services of some professional (graffiti) artists to paint a street-art mural on the wall."

Now, several nearby businesses are taking up the idea and professional works of art could soon blossom around plain or graffiti-marked inner city walls.

Two trading companies, Chairman and Yip and the Overboard Shop, are already talking about having murals outside their premises to combat graffiti.

"We hope to have a network all through the alleyways," Mr Gray said.

The alleys had always been a pedestrian thoroughfare of sorts, as well as delivery access roads for vehicles.

He hopes the new mural and its vibrant summer colours will give graffiti vandals something to think about.