Anti-social behaviour and graffiti costing Cheltenham Borough Council 70k
A Gloucestershire council is spending thousands to tackle the problem.
Cleaning graffiti and stopping anti-social behaviour in Cheltenham has cost the town's borough council a staggering £70,000.
These costs include £54,000 on repair work to allow the Town Centre East car park to stay open and the remainder has been spent on security measures to prevent antisocial behaviour.
It's sparked debate in the council with one councillor suggesting the bill should be passed onto the police and crime commissioner.
Police and Crime Commissioner Chris Nelson said slinging arrows at the police is not helpful and the council also has a role to play in solving the problem.
“Any form of crime is never just a matter for the police, and it’s the same with graffiti,” he said.
“The council has a role to play in solving this problem. The courts have a role to play in solving this problem. But you’ve really got to catch them in the act to punish them and stop them in the future."
The Cheltenham Neighbourhood Policing Team said they are aware of ongoing issues involving graffiti in the town centre and are doing all they can to find those responsible.