GRAFFITI WALL FOR BRUM TO SLASH CLEAN-UP COSTS

29-01-2008

Legalised graffiti could be coming to Birmingham if senior councillors get their way.  A new report released today advocates the creation of officially sanctioned "mural walls" to encourage young spray painters to channel their energies in a positive direction.

The recommendation comes in a study by the city’s Transportation and Street Services Scrutiny Committee – chaired by regular Stirrer contributor Martin Mullaney (Lib Dem, Moseley and Kings Heath).

He reveals that the removing “street art” – which can range from simple initialised tags to full-blown paintings – costs taxpayers #600,000 a year.  The transport executive Centro splashes out a further #130,000.

Greater co-operation between various agencies is seen as the key to prevention – including better intelligence gathering and information sharing.

There’s also support for the use of anti-graffiti paints and other coatings to frustrate the taggers.

However, the most controversial proposal is for the creation of recognised mural walls to encourage youngsters with talent.

Mullaney writes, “a former youth worker who managed a graffiti wall in the city told us of the need for such a facility.

“He was clear however that it needed to be managed, located appropriately and art pieces should fit their surrounding.

“He felt that as a consequence of this those actually interested in the art form would concentrate in applying themselves and those seeking the opportunity to ‘publicise’ themselves would fall away.

“We therefore think it is worth exploring the value of such a wall in Birmingham – within very clear parameters and with the support of local people – and if this does prove to be one of the solutions to this problem, then we will have made a difference to people’s lives.”

Are legalised graffiti walls a good idea?

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