Borough councillor concerned as more graffiti appears in Andover

As previously reported, graffiti initially appeared at Vigo underpass and Union Street underpass in early December last year, but over the Christmas period more locations were targeted including the Guildhall. 

Test Valley Borough Council (TVBC) reassured residents that it will be working with the police to try and identify those involved and stop this issue from getting worse. 

Speaking previously borough councillor Iris Anderson said: "Seeing graffiti popping up in more and more places in Andover, makes me question why would anyone want to do this and ruin a nice town. 

READ MORE: Concerns rise as more graffiti appears in Andover town centre

"When I walk underneath the underpasses it's so lovely to hear the young children talking about the animals on the walls and their parents talking to them about each animal. I am absolutely devastated to know people can ruin these walls with graffiti."

Since then Cllr Andersen has told the Advertiser that she has spotted more around the town.

Councillor Iris Andersen (Image: Newsquest)

She said this includes the town council's noticeboard in Swan Court, Church Close, Vigo underpass, Vigo Road and the underpass in Pilgrims Way.

Speaking of her concern, she said: "It seemed like the problem had quietened down but now it seems to be back again. Businesses just haven't got the money to keep taking it off.

"I desperately want people to report it on 101 so we can do something about it. I am really thinking that surely we can do more."

She said that she believes the ones under Vigo underpass have since been removed and that TVBC has always "supported" her with the graffiti situation.

She is encouraging residents to either report the graffiti to 101 or on Test Valley Borough Council's website. 

She said "the more we report" the better."

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A statement TVBC's website reads: "Graffiti is antisocial behaviour and the Council takes a pro-active approach to dealing it.

"Although the council is not responsible for removing graffiti, we monitor the Borough and the owner of any affected property is contacted and advised of the problem. We also give advice on how the issue can be tackled. 

"Preventing and removing graffiti helps to improve our local environment and the quality of life for many residents: reducing the fear of crime that it causes and increasing pride in the community."

A TVBC spokesperson added: “When we receive reports of graffiti on council property, we remove it as soon as possible. When we are told about graffiti on property which is not owned by the council, we contact the owner to request them to remove it. We also provide graffiti prevention and removal advice.

“If residents spot graffiti, they should report it to the council and police so that the incident can be dealt with. For more information visit www.testvalley.gov.uk/graffiti.”