Counting the cost of Bridport graffiti (From Thisisdorset)
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Counting the cost of Bridport graffiti
1:57pm Wednesday 13th February 2013 in Latest By Rene Gerryts
The graffiti clean-up in Bridport
BRIDPORT is counting the cost of the rash of graffiti.
As the clean-up begins police are seeking the vandals and will also look for anyone helping or hiding them.
Bridport Town Council’s lengthsman is painting over the tags in Chancery Lane – at a cost of £100.
The money, the beginning of the costs, will be coming from the authority’s play equipment budget, said town council surveyor Daryl Chambers.
But there are also moves to try and encourage a more positive outlet for creative urges among youngsters.
PC Scott McGregor said graffiti was not a victimless crime and perpetrators will be prosecuted.
He said: “I find it quite damaging that money that Bridport Town Council may have to divert for the clean-up may actually be from other youth services like the skate park or other similar project.
“Whoever, individuals or groups that are doing this, need to know that this is affecting the community of Bridport, this isn’t just painting on a wall or a building or a wall or some other obscure object.
“This is having a tangible affect on the community – it is not a victimless crime.”
PC McGregor said they will be arresting suspects.
He added: “I would also like to stress that if we get a lead we will follow it to its conclusion.
“There are people in the community who will know who is doing this and are potentially protecting, hiding or taking steps to maybe help these people. If we find evidence of that then stand by.”
West Dorset District Council chairman Gillian Summers has suggested channelling youngsters into more positive ways of expressing themselves by putting up ‘graffiti boards’ and even offering a prize for the best work.
Former town councillor and retired policeman Roger Stoodley, who volunteers at Chancery House, said the explosion of graffiti down Chancery Lane is worrying people who come to the day centre.
He said: “The elderly people who come to Chancery House feel menaced by it. Some of it is quite artistic but cities around the world are being despoiled because it is done in inappropriate places.”
Several efforts to remove graffiti at Mountfield have been made without success. Specialists from the district council are being contacted.
