Residents say town blighted by graffiti increase

Graffiti has appeared on walls, underpasses and bus shelters in Droitwich

A town's residents who say they are plagued by ever-increasing graffiti describe it as a blight on the area.

Graffiti has appeared on bus shelters, street signs, park benches, underpasses and church walls in Droitwich, Worcestershire.

Wychavon District Council said the majority of the graffiti had been placed on private property which it was not responsible for and did not not have the resources to deal with.

But residents say they want to see more action taken to stop the markings.

Residents have described the graffiti as "disgusting" and a "nuisance"

One man said of a brick wall covered in daubing: "You know it's just a shame - this lane has most probably been here [for] 200 years, I bet that wall is 150 years old. Will [the graffiti] come off? I've got no idea."

Another resident told BBC Hereford and Worcester he hated the graffiti, describing it as "everywhere" in the town.

A woman added: "It's just the vandals that come and trash it. Why they have to spoil things I just don't know, it's beyond me."

Tim Lewis, from Wychavon District Council, said: "Most of the graffiti around the town has unfortunately been put on private buildings or property, such as telecommunications cabinets or telephone boxes.

"We are not responsible for, and do not have the resources to deal with, the removal of graffiti from private property unless it is offensive, then we will remove it within 24 hours.

"If people spot graffiti on council-owned land or property, such as park benches or play equipment, then they should report it to us and we will arrange for it to be removed as soon as possible."

Anyone with information relating to graffiti has been asked to contact West Mercia Police.