Lancashire pupils wipe out graffiti in new scheme

by Natalie Evans. Published Tue 05 Apr 2011 16:59

Pupils in Blackburn are getting the chance to wipe out graffiti in a pioneering project created by local police officers and the council.

Operation Eraze is being run at primary and secondary schools across Blackburn with Darwen with hard-hitting messages about the consequences of graffiti.

It aims to give young people in Blackburn with Darwen the chance to talk about the problems that graffiti causes and to create colourful banners which will soon be displayed in Corporation Park and at schools across the Borough.

PCSO Matt Mason, who is leading the scheme, said: "Graffiti is an eyesore which won’t be tolerated. It can change public's perceptions and feelings of safety in communities.

"Operation Eraze is a fantastic initiative which encourages children to consider the consequences of causing graffiti whilst expressing themselves positively through creative artwork."

Local artist Alastair Nicholson, who is helping to run the sessions, said: “We don’t want to put kids off art. We want them to be creative in a responsible way, engaging positively with their communities. Local communities have welcomed the young people’s artwork and commented on how the banners brighten the place up.”

Anyone who wishes to report any graffiti can contact the council on 01254 585921. Incidents of graffiti tagging can be reported to the police on 0845 1 25 35 45.