Graffiti walls are not wanted here (From Swindon Advertiser)

Graffiti walls are not wanted here

11:40am Saturday 5th November 2011 in News By Matthew Edwards

THE idea of having a graffiti wall in Highworth has been scrapped at the first possible opportunity by the town council.

Coun Richard Williams brought the proposal before the council on Tuesday night, saying it was a way of keeping young people entertained and would prevent graffiti elsewhere.

But councillors on the leisure committee voted against the idea to proceed with a feasibility study into graffiti walls, with seven councillors voting against the plan.

Coun Williams said: “Graffiti is not a problem in Highworth but graffiti seems to be a way for young people to express themselves these days. This is just an idea – there is no guarantee it will happen but we are talking about it.

“The idea is to provide a dedicated wall where young people will be able to express themselves in a controlled manner.

“I know there are some in Swindon already and I have been told it has made some difference to bringing down graffiti in those areas.”

The walls have also been proposed by other parish council, such as Stratton, but have met strong opposition from one of the town’s MPs.

Swindon north MP Justin Tomlinson said: “I am utterly opposed to this scheme and have tried my best to convince the Parish to not proceed with this project.

“Swindon Council tried and failed with a similar scheme in 2001 at Mannington and the whole surrounding area became a haven for graffiti and tagging.

“This will be a disaster and it will be hated by local residents.”

Graffiti walls have been used at places like Toothill and Mannington and a special project has been running in Penhill with young people having the chance to create a community mural with graffiti.

Positive Futures co-ordinator Mark Stennett said: “I believe that graffiti is a misunderstood art form and if it is used in the correct way it is a good way for younger people to express themselves.

“Having these graffiti walls is a great way of introducing children to the art form and getting them away from tagging and vandalism as long as they are monitored.

“As well as children expressing themselves, we do try and get the children thinking creatively about what they are drawing and link it to the community, bringing a new art form which really has been around for years.”