Graffiti could deter tourists, warns councillor

Councillor Martin Allen has called on the authority and the police to tackle graffiti in Upton-upon-Severn

Graffiti could negatively affect a market town's economy, a councillor has warned.

Several places in Upton-upon-Severn in Worcestershire have been vandalised, including Upton Bridge, outside the Co-op supermarket and near Minge Lane.

"Graffiti has increased by an alarming rate, in fact more seems to come night after night," said councillor Martin Allen.

Worcestershire County Council and West Mercia Police both said they were aware of the problem.

Tens of thousands of people visit Upton each year to attend the town's music festivals including Sunshine, Mello and the blues and folk festivals.

Allen said: "I am concerned that if the county council does not start to quickly remove the graffiti, Upton will suffer with a fall in visitor numbers and the subsequent effect on local businesses.

"Waterside is the street where most visitors initially head to. The last thing they want to see is graffiti on the bridge.

"Residents have contacted me with heartfelt concerns and they are genuinely upset that their town is being abused."

Allen said he wanted to see police step-up night patrols to catch the culprits in the act.

"It may to some seem not a serious matter but local traders suffer this time of the year with reduced footfall and this is the last thing they need," he added.

Graffiti has been spotted near Minge Lane

Sgt Geraint Perkins, from the force, said officers were aware of the issue and asked the community to get in touch with information.

"Patrols around the area have been increased, especially during the hours of dark," he added.

A spokesperson for the council said: "We have alerted our teams to the graffiti reported in Upton and this will be addressed as part of our routine programme of inspection and maintenance."

This news was gathered by the Local Democracy Reporting Service, which covers councils and other public service organisations.