Residents in Thurrock are being urged by the council and police to continue reporting incidents of graffiti in a bid to clean up the borough.

The call has been made as part of Thurrock Council's Thumbs Down campaign against anti-social behaviour.

More than £100,000 has been spent tackling graffiti in Thurrock in just over a year, following the launch in November 2000 of a hotline to report incidents of scrawlings on buildings and walls.

The hotline number, 0800 581281, can now be used for reporting any form of anti-social behaviour.

Peter Maynard, cabinet member for neighbourhoods, said: "The hotline has been a significant weapon in the war on graffiti vandalism.

"But we need help from residents to continue to tackle these eyesores. Our aim is to remove the worst and most offensive examples within 24 hours."

Thurrock Council, which employs experts in graffiti removal, pledges to remove any graffiti within five weeks of it being reported.

To report graffiti, contact the 24-hour hotline or call 01375 652900. Residents can also report incidents via the website www.council-repairs.com or by emailing repairs@thurrock.gov.uk

Published Wednesday, April 10, 2002