Like many other towns and cities across the UK, Cheltenham has been blighted by graffiti and tagging. It’s a persistent problem that residents often highlight to me, with everything from fences and walls to waste bins, signs and post boxes being targeted by this criminal damage.

To tackle this, Cheltenham Borough Council are working closely with Cheltenham Business Improvement District, the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner, and other key stakeholders on a detailed graffiti removal strategy, funded by a grant from the Home Office.

Graffiti removal and patrols

The first step is a town centre pilot which began in September; it involves mapping graffiti across the town, identifying hotspots, and rolling out graffiti removal and patrols.

We’re already seeing positive impacts, and really appreciate the support of all Cheltenham residents in helping us to map any they see. If you spot any graffiti in the town, please report it to us via our website: www.cheltenham.gov.uk and search ‘Report Graffiti’. You’ll be asked to tell us the location, whether it’s offensive, and ideally attach a photo. The council review all reports and process the graffiti for removal. If it is offensive (i.e. racial, sexual, homophobic, religious or political) it will be removed within 14 days.

Graffiti and tagging are a criminal offence, and in Cheltenham criminals will be fined £500 if they are caught.

Deep cleans to remove chewing gum

You may also have noticed some cleaner pavements across the town centre, as deep cleans are undertaken to remove chewing gum and gum stains. This work has been funded by Keep Britain Tidy. Please do ‘Bin your Gum’ and any other litter when out and about in Cheltenham.

As people who live in and love our town, we can together ensure Cheltenham remains a clean, attractive and welcoming place for all.