Obscene graffiti is
branded a disgrace
June 5, 2004
A derelict caravan daubed with obscene graffiti and dumped in
Norwich was today branded a "disgraceful and embarrassing" eyesore.
Families living near the caravan, which has been dumped in disused entrance to
the Colman's Factory on King Street, have called for it to be removed.
It has become a blight on the area and an unwelcome landmark to thousands of
drivers who pass it every day.
The former touring caravan has been left with windows smashed and covered in
graffiti — including a picture of a giant penis.
It is the most obvious example of a string of similar sexually obscene graffiti
on signs and billboards along the length of King Street.
David Barry, 46, who lives nearby, said: "How embarrassing is it to have
that near your house? It's disgusting and depressing. I don't know why they
cannot just get rid of it."
He said the area already suffered from its proximity to Norwich's red light
district, further along King Street and Rouen Road, and had been hit by a spate
of graffiti in recent weeks.
A 29-year-old man, who lives on nearby Carrow Hill, said: "It's a disgrace
it's still sitting there. We have problems around here, but this one should be
easy to fix. Someone just needs to get it shifted."
The graffiti may be linked to a similar spate earlier this year on more than a
dozen buildings from the bottom of Ber Street, along Finkelgate on to the Ring
Road, down Hall Road and into Southwell Road.
On that occasion two sexually obscene words were repeatedly scrawled on the
walls of businesses, homes, a cemetery and even a school.
Spokeswoman from Norwich City Council, Rachel Bobbitt, said: "This is just
offensive, unnecessary vandalism.
"A 24-hour removal notice was put on the caravan this morning and if it is
not removed it should be taken away by our contractors tomorrow.
"If not our Graff Off team, which deal with the removal of graffiti, will
see if the offensive graffiti can be removed."