Cardiff Post Article April 2009

Research has shown that in some wards of South Wales, almost a quarter of streets are subjected to graffiti.  Graffiti is mentioned to my ward colleagues and I at most PACT meetings by residents and we regularly receive emails with images of the writing, logos and pictures on.  The local Police are working with schools to try and establish who uses the various slogans, and some progress has been made, but much is left to do.

The Council has a responsibility to remove graffiti from its own property, and has a duty to the citizens to remove racist or rude messages within a short period of time. 

Cardiff Council’s Executive passed a report towards the end of last year about graffiti which stated, “The presence of graffiti is unsightly and can lead to the decline of an area, which can undermine community cohesion and the efforts of public agencies. It can be costly to remove, increase the fear of crime, decrease local investment in regeneration and cause depreciation of property values. It is one of a range of issues that can disfigure the street scene in our community”.  Many Cardiff residents agree with the statements but they find that, on occasions, the Council does not work quickly enough to tackle the problems. 

The Council’s policy is clear, and has 5 objectives which we must ensure are adhered to.  To improve our local communities and to try and eradicate graffiti.  The policy aims to remove reported graffiti promptly from Council property and other domestic property (where owner approval is obtained), to work in partnership with relevant agencies to secure the prompt removal of graffiti from commercial properties, to encourage the reporting of graffiti, to engage with local communities to provide education with the aim of reducing the occurrence of graffiti, and to take enforcement action where it is considered appropriate to do so.

If residents have problems with graffiti, I would suggest that they contact their local Councillor, or contact the non-emergency number 101. They can also collect images of graffiti tags to try to identify the culprit. Please contact me if you would like a copy of the CouncilÂ’s document which goes into greater detail and makes for interesting reading.

Congratulations to the Rhiwbina Based Debbie Chapman Dancers on being put through to the next stage of Britain's Got Talent.  It was wonderful to hear Simon Cowell utter the words, “Just sensational” about the local group.  We will watch and support their progress and hope that a number of people will support and see another Welsh act win this prestigious competition.

My ward colleagues, Adrian Robson, Brian Jones and I will be joined by Police Community Support Officer Gavin Colcombe on Thursday 30^th April, between 10.30am – 12 Noon for our next ward surgery which is being held at The Pantmawr Inn, Tyla Teg.

I can be contacted on tel 029 2062 7757, fax 029 2087 7005, mobile 079 7001 3332, E-Mail jcowan@cardiff.gov.uk or log on to http://www.rhiwbinaward.com/