Graffiti Policy

Overview

Cheltenham Borough Council is consulting on its proposed Graffiti Policy (click to download).

Tackling graffiti is a challenge. This particular type of criminal damage has its own subculture with offenders creating large pieces of work in a short space of time. Offences are usually carried out under the cover of darkness making catching the offenders’ very difficult and time intensive.

It needs to be dealt with effectively to help prevent more serious crimes occurring in affected areas. Each instance of graffiti is costly to remove and has a financial implication for the authority, businesses and residents. One of authority’s key priorities is to deliver a number of town centre and wider public enhancements that will continue the revitalisation of the town. This will ensure its longer-term viability as a retail and cultural destination. Another key priority is to continue to enhance our public spaces, parks and gardens. Areas blighted by graffiti undermine these aims.

Such criminal activity can never be totally eradicated but by having a clear policy in place the authority aims to reduce the increasing instances of graffiti. In particular, it will:

1. Set out who is responsible for removing graffiti
2. Outline how graffiti will be removed
3. Define how quickly graffiti will be removed
4. How we will work with partners to identify and take enforcement action
5. Identify preventative measures

Please refer to the relevant Privacy Statement to read about how we will use your personal information.

What happens next

Consultation responses will be considered by the council's Cabinet in due course when deciding whether to adopt the proposed policy.