Gods graffiti busters target merseyside

Ekklesia - UK

-4/8/04

Graffiti writing may have reached epidemic proportions but several hundred young adults are hitting the streets of Merseyside today to rid them of ‘urban scrawl’.

The clean-up campaign is part of Merseyfest (Wed Aug 4 - Fri Aug 6), a combined church initiative across the region.

"Recent research reveals how graffiti makes people, especially those older and more vulnerable, feel unsafe," explained Merseyfest’s Ian Edwards.

"According to the Crime Study of England and Wales, people are more worried about vandalism and graffiti than drunkenness, noise and even drug dealing.

"I‘m thrilled to see these young people try and improve community life."

The unpaid volunteers will bus in from all over the region. As well as getting rid of graffiti, they will begin the restoration of a dilapidated pavilion in Victoria Park, Crosby and tidy up pensioners’ gardens in the ‘Klondyke’ area of Bootle.

The three-day event has the full support of Sefton Borough Council and Merseyside Police.

"Sadly, young adults and a good press don't always go together," said the Bishop of Liverpool, Rt Rev James Jones.

"But these highly-motivated young people are using their holidays in a positive way, choosing Merseyside over Magaluf. They’re prepared to get their hands dirty, making a difference to the lives of people around them. I urge everyone to support and encourage them."

This week’s Merseyfest campaign is a showcase for a full-scale project next year which is expected to involve thousands of people, young and not so young, and will culminate in a major festival on 20/21st August 2005.