More cash to clear graffiti

Surrey,England,UK

THE war on words is gaining strength with the news that Epsom and Ewell Borough Council is to spend £25,000 to double the number of graffiti busters.

A second graffiti team is to join the council's operational services to increase the fight against the unsightly damage.

At a recent council meeting it was decided that extra funding should be allocated to deal with "street care issues that fall within the responsibility of the borough council" - and graffiti was immediately identified as being the most prevalent of these.

When it was set up in 2001, the council's graffiti squad made an sweeping start in removing graffiti, helped by the street care team.

A second gang will provide more capacity and enable a planned programme of removal along side the present responsive service.

A further £25,000 has been set aside for staffing, operator training and materials.

Councillor Eber Kington, (RA Ewell Court) chairman of strategy and resources, said: "We planned our spending priorities in April, so that we could target this £25,000 mid-year where it would have the greatest impact.

"Our research shows that spending the money in this way links into residents' priorities."

A self-contained mobile steam cleaner, designed to work where neither power nor water supply is available is the first purchase.

It is mounted in a galvanised trailer with bodywork to prevent metal corrosion. Inside is a baffled water tank allowing up to four hours' constant use.

The steam generator is driven by a diesel engine with electric start. It can provide hot and cold water and steam up to 150 degrees.

Councillor Mike Richardson, (RA Woodcote) chairman of the environment committee said: "We are committed to improving the street scene environment and tackling anti-social behaviour.

"The employment of a second graffiti team will ensure that we deal with the problem graffiti quickly and effectively."