Graffiti wall 'will stop vandals'

Police and community leaders trying to stop a spate of graffiti attacks claim they have come up with a solution in the shape of a hording board.

They believe putting up the board next to a youth shelter in Woodley, Berkshire, will attract the vandals away from other properties and walls.

Staff from the town council will paint over the graffiti tags every few weeks.

A Thames Valley Police spokeswoman said providing the board to paint on was "not about giving in" to the vandals.

I think this is a long-term solution to the problem Pc Jen Banfield

Tags have been sprayed all over Woodley, near Wokingham, with 60 having to be cleared up in the past two months.

The hording, which has been paid for by an anonymous donation, will be put up next to the youth shelter in Woodford Park at the beginning of July.

Pc Jen Banfield, a neighbourhood specialist officer for Thames Valley Police, said: "I think this is a long-term solution to the problem.

"By giving those interested in this art a place where they can display their work, I think we will dramatically reduce the number of tags that spring up in the rest of Woodley.

"This is not about giving in to people - it is about creating a mutual respect between the youngsters and authorities."

Pc Banfield said regular visits to local schools to "educate" children about the consequences of vandalism would continue.

A number of arrests have been made in connection with the vandalism attacks.

Ch Insp Tony Ismay: "My officers and staff will continue to tackle those people who choose to act illegally and damage other people's property."