Southend-on-Sea City Council, in partnership with Veolia, our waste management contractor, will be delivering a focused campaign to combat graffiti in our city.
Graffiti poses significant challenges for communities in Southend, not only does it make areas look neglected and can affect local businesses and property value, but it can also have a serious impact on the environment due to the harmful chemicals released from the sprays.
Additionally, its removal incurs a significant cost to taxpayers. Different surfaces require various approaches, such as chemical cleaning, painting over, or jet washing, depending on the material. Since July, it is estimated that the council has spent over £70,000 on graffiti removal.
Residents and businesses can help the council tackle graffiti by reporting graffiti via MySouthend. This is the simplest and fastest way to report it, as it goes directly to Veolia.
Education is key, and if you know anyone who may be involved in any tagging activity, speak to them about the implications of tagging. Any reduction in unwanted graffiti will lead to significant financial savings which will then help us target our limited resources to the places that really make a difference to people's lives.
Cllr Lydia Hyde, cabinet member for climate, environment and waste, said: "This administration has made a commitment to restoring civic pride, and take action on the graffiti that brings down the enjoyment of our neighbourhoods is fundamental to achieve that.
"In addition to the usual graffiti cleansing works, over coming weeks residents will see our waste partners Veolia performing a blitz on graffiti across the city.
"We want residents to take pleasure in their surroundings in every corner of the city, so we're also putting a call out to residents. If there is graffiti that you know of, please report this on MySouthend, and we'll bring the team. Together we'll making this city sparkle again."