Wall plants bid to tackle graffiti problem (From Gazette)

Wall plants bid to tackle graffiti problem

7:00pm Monday 19th October 2009 in

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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.

Comments(5)

Andy Hamilton says...
8:00pm Mon 19 Oct 09

Wonderful to see the Council abandon its slash and trash policy to start re-planting our borders. But can it be afforded? Look at the Essex County Standard report where 30 planters cost £4000 to plant up - that is £130/planter! Assuming replanting twice a year, replacing vandalised plants and regular watering it will soon add up to the £17,000 of previous budget cuts - for thirty planters!
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An economical solution would be to copy the "Halstead in Bloom" organisation where that Council encouraged this volunteer group. As a result they won the fabled gold award in the Anglia competition. But Colchester Council is not interested.
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It will be interesting to see if the recent lavender and agapanthus planting survives. I look forward to next Spring when a fair comparison can be made with private efforts.