By Mandy Little, Greenwcih Mercury

THERE'S good news on the battle to combat graffiti in east Greenwich.

The Greenwich Society, which is celebrating three years since the formation of its volunteer teams to help the council remove the unsightly scrawls, is planning to extend its activities to the area.

Last month The Mercury highlighted concerns of residents that east Greenwich was in dire need of help to remove unsighty graffiti.

And the council has now reached an agreement with communications firm ntl which will clean graffiti off its road-side boxes borough-wide on a regular basis. People are urged to report instances to the normal Cleensweep helpline.

Ray Smith, from the Greenwich Society, said it is keen to recruit volunteers for a team to cover the area east of Vanbrugh Hill and Blackwall Lane.

The society co-operates closely with the council's Cleensweep team and the council supplies volunteers with the necessary removal materials.

Mr Smith said the society is also grateful for the practical assistance of local councillors Maureen O'Mara, David Grant and Peter Challis.

In the past few months the group has also been liaising with the railway companies regarding graffiti and criminal damage at railway stations.

'Difference'

Mr Smith said: "There are hitches and setbacks, but the arrival of Cleansweep, the continued energies of Greenwich Society volunteers and the co-operation of some businesses has lead to a real difference in the look of Greenwich."

To get involved call 020 8853 0686 or email secretary@greenwichsociety.org.uk

Graffiti should be reported to the Cleensweep helpline on 020 8921 4661.