Writing is on the wall for unwanted graffiti
Public are urged to help by reporting incidents
Perth and Kinross Council has declared war on vandals across the region.
And the local authority wants members of the public to join them in their bid to rid the area of unwanted graffiti.
The council this week launched a new campaign to help encourage people living in the area to report incidents of graffiti in their community.
Launched by the council’s community safety partnership, it is hoped the new scheme means arrangements to remove graffiti can be put in place quickly, with posters being displayed on public buildings and on social media.
Over the past two years, the partnership has removed 370 pieces of graffiti from walls and street furniture - most of which has been in Perth city centre.
Once graffiti has been reported to the local authority, it is passed onto the community safety team, and it is their job to coordinate the clean-up effort.
A number of resources are used in doing this, including the council’s environment staff, Police Scotland’s youth volunteers, Beautiful Perth’s volunteers and people who are carrying out sentences through the community payback unpaid work team.
Cllr Peter Barrett, chair of the community safety partnership, said it is important more people get involved in reporting graffiti.
He said: “The team has put together a huge amount of effort into this initiative over the past couple of years but now we want to involve the public.
“I want to empower local people and community groups.
“Now when people spot graffiti they can report it quickly.
“Rest assured, there will be a fast response.”
He continued: “The problem with graffiti is once it’s there it attracts other graffiti.
“It then gets out of control and becomes a bigger job to tackle.
“I see this in other cities and when abroad, and we are not about to let it happen here.
“So I appeal to the public, when you see it, please report it.
“Together we can keep Perth and Kinross beautiful.”
Members of the public can report graffiti by phoning 01738 476173 or emailing SCT@pkc. gov.uk
Graffiti on a wall near the Lade in Perth
It can also be reported online by visiting their website www. pkc.gov.uk and clicking on the ‘MyPKC’ button at the top righthand side