Bridport starts its graffiti clean up campaign (From Bridport and Lyme Regis News)

Bridport starts its graffiti clean up campaign

5:21pm Wednesday 6th February 2013 in Bridport By Rene Gerryts

THE campaign to tackle the explosion of graffiti in Bridport is gathering pace.

Police say they are actively seeking the criminal or criminals doing it and will also look for anyone helping or hiding them.

And Bridport Town Council started the clear up campaign today with the lengthsman painting over the tags in Chancery Lane.

But the money to pay for that is likely to be coming from the play equipment budget.

There are also moves to try and encourage a more positive creative urge among youngsters.

PC Scott McGregor said graffiti was not a victimless crime and perpetrators will be prosecuted.

He said: “Whoever, individuals or groups that are doing this, need to know that this is affecting the community of Bridport – it is not a victimless crime.”

“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.

“These people need to know the money to clear this up will have to come from somewhere.

“Whoever the suspects are ultimately these people need to sit up and take notice and take responsibility.”

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.

She said: “It would give them a focus. When the town hall was being done we had those boards up around the work and I’d like to know if graffiti went down during that time.

“A lot of young people were proud of that board.

“I think they should be encouraged – but in the right place.”

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.”