BOSSES at Basingstoke council are delighted after their determination to combat graffiti in the borough landed a major honour.

A gold Green Apple award was presented to the council in recognition of its environmental campaign and initiatives in dealing with the increasing graffiti problem plaguing the area.

It acknowledged how the council currently spends around £70,000 per year using specialist equipment and treatments to remove the unsightly paint from buildings and street furniture.

Working closely with the police and local community groups, the council's aim has been to send out a clear message that such anti-social behaviour is unacceptable and will no longer be tolerated.

This partnership has successfully resulted in five prosecutions for conspiracy to commit criminal damage.

The council says it is aware that although often considered to be a "victimless" crime, graffiti affects every resident and visitor to the borough. It is also thought to increase the fear of crime, can make an area look rundown, may discourage business investment, and is extremely expensive to remove.

Cllr Tony Jones, Cabinet member for communities and regeneration, said: "We are extremely proud of this award. This award demonstrates how committed our graffiti team is in combating this scourge on our local environment.

"With our partners we are committed to continuing the fight against this anti-social behaviour."

The Green Apple award scheme, now in its eighth year, is organised by The Green Organisation and is supported by the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health, the Municipal Journal and the Institute of Waste Management, making it one of Britain's major environmental campaigns.