BASINGSTOKE residents have been urged to do their bit to tackle graffiti-spraying yobs who leave taxpayers in the borough paying £80,000 each year for the clean-up.

The bill footed by Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council to remove the mess from its property is just the tip of the iceberg, as residents and businesses also have to fork out to remove the vandals' unsightly scrawl.

The police and council have called upon local people to let them know who the culprits are, and where they are causing particular problems.

Councillor George Hood, deputy leader of the borough council, said: "Graffiti is part of the wider issue of anti-social behaviour.

"Members of the public often ring in about areas that they find unacceptable - in rural areas of the borough as well as the town - and we are trying to address it."

Vic Lee, head of streetcare at the council, urged people who spot graffiti in public places to call with information. Two teams are employed full time to remove it from council property.

Mr Lee said: "We place a high priority on offensive graffiti and work with community wardens, Hampshire County Council, community safety staff, Basingstoke police and housing associations.

"We work very closely with the police to seek and prosecute culprits where they can be identified."

Residents who shop graffiti yobs will be helping channel taxpayers' money into other areas and making visitors' first impression of the town a better one.

Basingstoke police community safety inspector Julie Young said: "If people live in an area with a large amount of graffiti it can give the impression that it's not safe.

"We always try to tackle graffiti but the problem we have is being able to identify those responsible. I would appeal for anyone with information to come forward."

Call the council's 24-hour council graffiti and fly-tipping hotline on 0800 212218 to leave a message about graffiti in public areas. If private property has been vandalised, or you have information about the culprits, call Basingstoke police on 0845 045 45 45.

Do you have a view on this issue? E-mail editor@basingstokegazette.co.uk, or write to The Letters Editor, Gazette Newspapers, Gazette House, Pelton Road, Basingstoke, RG21 6YD.

First published: Friday, April 1, 2005