Council introduces new van for expanded graffiti clean-up
Local artists team up with West Northants council to improve graffiti hotspots
West Northamptonshire Council has expanded its graffiti removal efforts with the introduction of additional resources, including a new van, to help maintain cleaner and more welcoming neighbourhoods. The move comes in response to a recent increase in graffiti incidents, placing greater demand on the council's services.
In collaboration with Veolia, West Northamptonshire Council has pinpointed key routes into Northampton that serve as major gateways to the city, with a strong focus on keeping these areas free from graffiti. Work commenced this week on Kettering Road, targeting unsightly tags and throw-ups, which detract from the area's appearance.
The council and its partners are committed to improving the visual appeal and community feel of public spaces, as explained by Councillor Nigel Stansfield, Cabinet Member for Environment, Recycling and Waste: “This new resource will make a real difference to our work to remove graffiti quickly and to keep our public spaces looking their best.”
In addition to removal efforts, the council's Community Safety Team is collaborating with local artists on a series of street art projects. These initiatives involve painting artwork on frequently targeted areas, including utility cabinets, shop shutters, and an underpass, promoting a positive and creative strategy to deter vandalism.
Stansfield expressed optimism regarding the approach, stating, “Our growing programme of street art projects shows that we are taking a positive and creative approach to tackling the issue.”
During the upcoming month, the council intends to deliver a range of art projects, including three wall murals, twenty-four pillars, four roadside wall murals, three shop shutters, and underpass artwork. An additional programme involving twenty-five utility cabinets is already underway, continuing throughout spring.
To safeguard these artworks, the council will apply a special coating that lessens the risk of future vandalism. With community involvement driving the creative process, many designs reflect local identity and promote a sense of ownership.
West Northamptonshire Council urges residents to report graffiti through their website and anyone with evidence of criminal damage contributing to graffiti endeavors can assist the council in holding offenders accountable.