Tagging has “exploded” in Leeds’ Headingley and Hyde Park districts and is “blighting” the community, worn-down locals say.
The practice, which involves vandals leaving a signature or personal mark of some kind on walls or street furniture, is drawing rising complaints across the city. But Headingley and Hyde Park has become a “destination” for people coming from outside the area to ruin property with graffiti, according to those affected.
The suburb’s new Labour councillor said the problem was so chronic it was affecting residents’ “mental wellbeing”, and he called for a review of the city council’s response to the issue. Community organisation The Headingley Development Trust is trying to tackle it, with volunteers cleaning up graffiti as much as they can.
