Task Group needed to tackle rise in graffiti – Cllr Tim Douglas
Councillor Tim Douglas (Paddox) believes a Task Group is needed to tackle the rise in graffiti across Rugby.
Tim's investigations reveal that in 2018, there were 52 graffiti reports, in 2019, there were 63 reports and in 2020 there were 75 incidents of graffiti reported to Rugby Borough Council. Based on indicative figures, Rugby Borough Council say it has cost them almost £8,029 in staff hours to clean graffiti in the past 12 months.
Graffiti has been evident across Rugby, in areas such as around the train station and Murray Road, parts of Bilton, on bus shelters in Brownsover, in Hillmorton and in the Paddox area on Kingsley Avenue, McKinnell Crescent, Hillmorton Road and Lower Hillmorton Road as well as on road signs and on private property including residents' fences and shops.
Councillor Douglas first raised the issue at Full Council on 23 February 2021 and asked the Portfolio Holder to set up a Task Group to tackle the issue. Following another question to the Portfolio Holder on 20 April 2021, Tim has received reassurances that the matter will be looked into.
Commenting, Councillor Tim Douglas (Paddox), said:
"Residents have seen a rise in graffiti across Rugby on public and private property in the past twelve months which is causing criminal damage and a blot on the landscape. It is also costing time and effort to clean as well as causing frustration and annoyance for businesses and residents.
"I have proposed that a Task Group be set up with Councillors, residents, businesses, Council officers and the Police to see what can be done to tackle the issue as well as provide support and advice to residents and businesses.
"We need to show the perpetrators that it's not acceptable and it won't be tolerated. With a strategy and greater intelligence sharing we can tackle this issue."
Questions and Answers to Full Council
23 Feb 2021 - https://www.rugby.gov.uk/meetings/meeting/1132/council
20 April 2021 - https://www.rugby.gov.uk/meetings/meeting/1133/council