Wipe out Graffiti says Sarah

3.09.39pm GMT Wed 4th Mar 2009

Sarah Carr gets to grips with grafitti. Streetscene is responsible for cleaning up grafitti and litter around the County. They can be reached on (01432) 261800.

Local Liberal Democrat parliamentary candidate Sarah Carr has been out on patrol with 'Streetscene' squad members from Herefordshire Council Contractors Amey to see first-hand how they try to tackle environmental crime such as littering, graffiti and fly-tipping in the County.

As well as hearing about graffiti and littering hotspots in Hereford, Ross and in South Herefordshire, Sarah donned gloves, safety glasses and hard hat to help remove graffiti herself.

Sarah said,

"I have no time for anti-social behaviour such as unsightly graffiti and irresponsible littering. Currently, I do not think the courts have the appropriate sentences to tackle graffiti. There's little or nothing between a caution and a prison sentence. I strongly believe that magistrates should be able to require vandals to clean up their own graffiti.

"I also think that investment in our youth services is essential to stop kids being bored. I'm delighted that Hereford City Council has secured funding for a new Skate Park in the north of the City, being built next to the Leisure Centre.

"Graffiti is a difficult but pressing problem. I want to ensure that graffiti is cleaned up fast. I also support calls for legislation in Parliament to tighten the sale of spray cans to youngsters."

If members of the public see graffiti, littering or fly-tipping around Herefordshire report it to the Streetscene squad on 01432 261800. The Streetscene squad clean graffiti from Council property, but also clean racist or offensive graffiti from privately owned properties.