Anger over 'provocative' graffiti on underpass

Community leaders in a Worcestershire town have hit out over graffiti that has reappeared - calling it "provocative" and "pure vandalism".

A second clean-up operation will have to take place along an underpass in Droitwich, with the perpetrators spelling out the words "clean it up again" on one of the messages.

It is just weeks since National Highways - which owns the land - spent thousands of pounds removing a previous section of graffiti on the same spot.

Droitwich councillors have now held talks with West Mercia Police over the incident, with officers saying they "understand the frustration".

Another section of graffiti on the underpass by Tagwell Road

Councillor Sue Brazier, the deputy Mayor of Droitwich, said: "I wouldn't mind if it's decent art, but it's not - it's pure vandalism.

"It was only recently painted over by National Highways, but they've gone back and done it again.

"It's criminal. The provocative message is very clear, the one saying 'please clean it again'.

"This is a beautiful route, there's lots of dog walkers around here, and they've spoilt it.

"We need more CCTV up around Droitwich to try and catch the culprits".

As well as the underpass by Tagwell Road, fresh graffiti has also appeared elsewhere in Droitwich, including on broadband cabinets.

It comes 18 months after residents hit out over a spate of graffiti that was appearing across the town, amid concerns that the problem was getting worse.

Police say they will take action if they can identify anyone responsible.

Sgt Cathy Atkinson, from Droitwich safer neighbourhood team, said: "We understand the frustration that graffiti brings to the Droitwich community, and those responsible need to be aware that graffiti and tagging are not victimless crimes.

"Criminal damage is a crime that we take very seriously, and regular patrols continue in the town, alongside working closely with partner agencies, to tackle the issue.

"It is important that members of the public always report any information they may have to either identify those responsible or to inform us of graffiti they have seen.

"It is with the help of these reports that officers can act on them, and suitable action can be and will be taken".

Some of the graffiti consists of "tags", which are used to gain recognition

National Highways has told the BBC the cost of cleaning up just one incident of graffiti was about £10,000.

Ian Doust, Midlands development manager for National Highways, said: "The removal of graffiti costs National Highways significant time and money – resources which could be better spent on improving drivers' journeys on motorways and major A roads.

"We thank councillors for bringing this latest incident to our attention, and would support police and the local authority in their efforts to stamp out these acts of vandalism."