Council continues blitz on "site for sore eyes"

Herefordshire Council’s graffiti gang has been busy since the launch of the graffiti line in the Hereford Times earlier this month.

Around 24 reports have been received and the gang is still dealing with graffiti sites across the county on a daily basis.

They range from small-scale graffiti attacks dotted around the city to large areas of graffiti which have appeared on areas of the Great Western Way and the railway bridge in Hereford.

Cllr Phil Edwards, Cabinet Member (Environment), said: “I’m very pleased that the hotline has got off to a positive start and members of the public are already commenting favourably on the visual improvements.

“Since its launch with the Hereford Times, the hotline has received an average of two calls a day which is a good start but we need more help in identifying problem areas.

“Therefore we would like to encourage people to pick-up the phone and tell us where the graffiti hot spots are.

“The workforce has been proactive in finding places in need of a spring clean and the Police have also helped with tip-offs. Subject to resources, we hope to see improvements throughout Hereford City and the market towns,” added Cllr Edwards.

As well as the work to get rid of graffiti, Herefordshire Council is also turning its attention to parts of Hereford City which need a clean up.

Graham Dunhill, Director of Environment, said: “We’re acutely aware that graffiti-free areas are only one aspect of creating an environment which communities feel proud of and which they all take responsibility for keeping clean.

“For that reason we’ll be working with Herefordshire Jarvis Service in the Great Western Way area during the next couple of months to provide:

· Replacement litter bins
· New dog waste bins
· New benches
· Clearing, regarding and seeding verges
· Tarmac over rough grass area along Great Western Way
· Footway resurfacing in Kilvert Road
· Road resurfacing in Broxash Drive and Kilvert Road
· Sign cleaning and replacement throughout South Wye area
· Renewing roadmarkings throughout the area

“All this work will mean a cleaner and tidier environment for the communities living in and around Great Western Way and this activity, tied into the Graffiti Gang’s work, should make a big difference,” added Graham.

“Of course, we are committed to the same approach Countywide through our Streetscene improvement initiative and I hope everyone will now begin to notice a difference.”

If you spot any graffiti, please call the Graffiti Hotline on (01432) 261800 with details or call the confidential Crimestoppers line on 0800 555 111.