'THE WRITING'S ON THE WALL' FOR COUNCIL'S GRAFFITI POLICY

17.2.03

Liberal Democrat councillor Lynne Featherstone has attacked the council for failing to deal with a graffiti problem in the borough for over ten years after having discovered anti-poll tax graffiti on the bridge of Stapleton Hall Road, Hornsey which is dated '1990'.

Cllr. Featherstone, who has campaigned hard on the issue for the past few years, was disappointed to find that no-one had taken responsibility for it.

"After initial calls to Environmental Services they seemed to have no idea who was responsible for the up keep of the bridge and as a consequence no one took any responsibility for it. However, persistence has now paid off: the council has apologised and promised a site visit will take place very soon to inspect the problem.

"As low priority as it may be, it is still an eyesore. For this piece of graffiti to remain for over ten years is a disgrace. I will be keeping a close eye to ensure that action is taken quickly to remove this graffiti that has long over stayed its welcome."

The Liberal Democrats say this case highlights the problems with Haringey's chronic underspending on graffiti with the Labour-run council having spent only £15,000 a year compared with a London average of over £200,00 per year. Following their campaigns on the issue last year, Haringey Council is now budgeting to increase its spending on graffiti fighting.

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