GRAFFITI hotspots could become flowering oases under plans to clean up a Colchester neighbourhood.

Colchester Council is considering growing plants in front of walls, in High Woods, to tackle the area’s graffiti problems.

It is hoped the plans could cut the bill faced by homeowners and the authority to clean up the damage, and add colour to the streets.

Beverley Oxford, High Woods’ ward councillor, who came up with the scheme, said: “A lot of the walls are in private ownership, which means as a council, we can’t touch it.

“The owners have to hire the equipment, which can be costly, and sometimes the cleaning does not always take it all off. That’s why the idea of a wall planting seemed to be a good idea.”

The council is drawing up a list of flowering plants that would be suitable. Graffiti hotspots include Chinook, and a walkway near Tony Webb Close.

Once established, High Woods Community Crew will take over their maintenance.