There has been a call for utility providers and government departments to remove graffiti "as a matter of priority" following increase in vandalism.
South Belfast SDLP councillor Gary McKeown has proposed a motion to Belfast City Council that would develop Memorandums of Understanding with companies and government bodies to remove graffiti, with the council being used as a central hub for members of the public to report it.
The councillor said that graffiti and vandalism is one of the top issues raised to him by local residents who are "fed up with widespread tagging" which is causing their communities to feel neglected.
Read more: West Belfast councillor calls for 'overhaul of eyesore alleyways'
He said that Utility providers, telecoms companies and government bodies should be taking responsibility for the removal of graffiti on their properties and that it is wrong for ratepayers to foot the bill for it.
He hopes that agreements can be reached with the council for graffiti to be removed from street furniture when reported, and that the development of a central hub within the council could facilitate this.
Councillor McKeown said: “Concerns about graffiti are one of the top issues raised with me by constituents. People are fed up with their areas being marred by widespread tagging. While this may seem like a small issue to some, it has a significant impact on the environment and appearance of an area, as well as the wellbeing of the community who lives there as it can make neighbourhoods feel neglected.
“While the council does its best to keep on top of graffiti, it cannot tackle this issue alone. The scale of the problem is too large and the council does not have the resources to respond to every single incident. Aside from that, it is wrong that the ratepayer should have to foot the bill for removal of graffiti from street furniture or property which is the responsibility of utility or telecoms companies.
“The council needs to work with utility providers, Stormont departments and other public bodies to reach agreements around removing graffiti when it appears on property and utility boxes that they own. By providing a central hub for reporting incidents it makes it easy for people to request action, and the council can then refer it on directly to the property owners for swift removal. The more we keep on top of it, the less incentive there will be to tag in the first place.
“If we approach this issue in the spirit of partnership then we can find an agreed solution to what has become a persistent problem in our city. The only way we’re going to tackle this is by working together and finding a system that works for the council, residents and the statutory bodies involved."
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