Bill's Noteook: Wipe out graffiti problem (From News Shopper)

Bill's Noteook: Wipe out graffiti problem

1:15pm Wednesday 11th July 2001 in

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Barnet Council is on the brink of pioneering steps to tackle the graffiti problem.

Councillors have backed the idea of a local ban on the sale of paint spraycans.

But it is up to the all-powerful cabinet to decide what action is actually taken.

The Liberal Democrats say they will be campaigning for public support backing a ban and other moves to stop graffiti.

Aerosol paint spraycans are the preferred tool for graffiti vandals, but the Liberal Democrats would also like the under-16s banned from buying the bigger felt-tip pens which are for poster work.

The difficulty is that Barnet on its own can promote only a voluntary scheme to prevent the under-16s buying these products. The long-term aim must be a London-wide ban with the force of law.

Sean Hooker introduced the bill, which calls for a voluntary scheme to ban the sale of aerosol spray paints to anyone under 16.

Mr Hooker added that he would like the courts to make a reparation order so that offenders would have to pay compensation for the damage and the expense they cause. He underlined that the fast removal of graffiti over a period of time discouraged the offenders.

More controversially, he would like the ban on the sale of cans and larger marker pens extended to anyone who "gives the impression they might be used for graffiti, vandalism, or other illegal purposes".

Mr Hooker said it was estimated graffiti represented 20 per cent of of the total criminal damage against property each year. The annual clean-up bill was more then £10million.

Barnet Council has established a graffiti removal squad which has had some success but the tools used by graffiti vandals remain freely on sale.

In fact there are several hundred shops in Barnet alone offering spray paints and commercial marker pens.

Under a voluntary scheme, shops in Barnet would display a bold sign saying spraycans will not be sold to minors.

Trading Standards would encourage shops to display spray paint in such a way that prevents pilfering.

He added that Trading Standards was already responsible for two voluntary codes one for motor dealers and the other covering the building trade.

The cabinet member for environment issues is Geof Cooke, who will be responsible for overseeing restrictions on paint sales.

"We support a voluntary ban scheme within the borough on the sale of aerosol spray paints to children," he told the council.

"Barnet is already lobbying for a London-wide ban on the sale of spray paints to under-16s to be included in the London Local Authorities Bill.

"We're also asking the Government for new powers to remove graffiti from buildings owned by public utility companies and to recharge the owners for the clean-up operation if they don't take action themselves."

He added there were a couple of concerns. "Firstly, that some under-16s will be buying spraycans for a legitimate purpose. However, most young people will be able to ask parents or school to purchase the paints needed.

"Secondly, the idea goes further in putting forward that shopkeepers should refuse to sell spray paint cans to adults if they give the impression that the cans will be used for graffiti. We're going to need to be very careful on that point so that adults with a legitimate reason for buying spray paints are not adversely affected."