Media centre

Wednesday 22 Feb 2006

LOCAL GROUPS BACK FIGHT TO GIVE GRAFFITI THE BRUSH-OFF

Region & Route:

| Southern

Network Rail’s fight to tackle graffiti and vandalism in the boroughs of Richmond and Merton has been given a major boost with the backing of Susan Kramer MP, Merton Liberal Democrats and the British Transport Police. Network Rail’s line-side team carried out extensive clean-up work last week on the line between Barnes and Richmond, including removing graffiti at West Barnes level crossing and clearing litter and graffiti at Mortlake station. Following the work, the MP for Richmond Park, Susan Kramer, along with the Merton Liberal Democrats and the British Transport Police, pledged to join the fight to keep the area a graffiti and vandalism-free zone. Network Rail’s Territory Maintenance Director, David Wilks, said: “Graffiti is an anti-social crime that affects members of the public and the passengers and staff who travel and work on the railway every day. We are determined to tackle graffiti and vandalism on the railway to send out a clear message that these wanton acts will not be tolerated. We welcome any help that members of the public can give us in catching those responsible.” MP for Richmond Park, Susan Kramer said: "Any action that helps to address graffiti is to be welcomed. It blights our communities and works against a better environment for local people." Merton Liberal Democrats Secretary, Mary-Jane Jeanes, said: “Local residents are fed up with graffiti. A survey by Merton Liberal Democrats shows that residents hate to see such vandalism. We can all help clean up our neighbourhood by reporting new graffiti quickly and by cleaning it off where possible.  Strong links are being built between schools and the police, including a database of “tags” to help identify and prosecute offenders.” Supt Mark Newton said: “The British Transport Police are determined to rigorously tackle criminals that damage the railway and its infrastructure. In the past 12 months in South London alone, my officers have arrested 80 graffiti criminals and detected 180 offences. We are working together with Network Rail to ensure this welcomed clean-up work is supported by appropriate enforcement.” Network Rail is continuing to identify other areas of graffiti to be tackled throughout the borough. Anyone with information about graffiti and vandalism on the railway can report it to the British Transport Police on 0800 40 50 40 or Network Rail’s national helpline on 08457 11 41 41. Members of the public can also report graffiti to Merton Council on 020 8545 4109.