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Christchurch underpass vandalised with graffiti - just weeks after CCTV installation

Christchurch underpass vandalised with Graffiti after CCTV installation <i>(Image: Reader)</i>
Christchurch underpass vandalised with Graffiti after CCTV installation (Image: Reader)

An underpass in Christchurch has been vandalised again, a year on from being renovated.

The underpass, which connects Bargates to the town centre, had CCTV cameras installed recently, but vandals spray painted on the walls and over the camera lenses.

The wall murals have been vandalised a number of times since they were installed last year. Residents have also been verbally abused in the underpass in the past year.

Bournemouth Echo:
Bournemouth Echo:

The graffiti was cleaned off soon after it was reported to BCP Council.

The CCTV was installed to help make sure residents and visitors to the area “feel safe”. They form a part of the Council’s ‘Cleaner, Greener, Safer’ campaign.

Christchurch Town councillor, Mike Cox, said that it was positive that the graffiti had been cleaned quickly.

“There are people in this world who do not respect or seem to care for what is around them,” he said.

“The important thing with graffiti of that type is that it is cleaned quickly. We need to be relentless in cleaning this up.

“My message to them [the vandals] is to cease and desist, because we won’t allow it to continue.”

Bournemouth Echo:
Bournemouth Echo:

A spokesperson from BCP Council said: “BCP Council is determined to tackle anti-social behaviour. The incidences of vandalism and graffiti in the underpass in Christchurch town centre is very disappointing and highlights the need for CCTV cameras in the area to deter and detect antisocial behaviour.”

“The graffiti was reported to us last Thursday (24 November) and our dedicated cleansing teams attended earlier this week to clean up the surfaces.

“We are liaising with Dorset Police to ensure any such antisocial behaviour is investigated and dealt with as appropriate. In the meantime, our security patrols will target this area at key times as well to provide a visible presence and act as a deterrent for such behaviours.”

Residents can report ASB and graffiti to us online here: https://www.bcpcouncil.gov.uk/Communities/Antisocial-behaviour/Antisocial-behaviour.aspx

https://www.bcpcouncil.gov.uk/Roads-and-transport/Report-a-problem-on-a-road-or-pavement/Graffiti.aspx