BASINGSTOKE MP Andrew Hunter has been getting to grips with a graffiti blasting machine which is putting the bite on the neighbourhood blight.

The MP joined concerned residents from the Community Action Group of Old Basing and Lychpit, who called a meeting to discuss the graffiti problem that has blighted the area in recent years.

More than 70 people joined Mr Hunter, parish, borough and county councillors as they watched borough cleansing staff demonstrate how much time and effort is needed to remove graffiti.

New chairman of the action group, Alan Renwick, said it was set up last year after local people expressed concerns about the problem of graffiti and vandalism to the parish council.

He added it is believed there is a group of eight or nine young people at the root of the problem and blames parents for lack of parental control and supervision, especially at night time.

Mr Renwick said: "Some of the people doing this graffiti would appear to live in comfortable houses and come from good families in the area."

He said over the coming year he hopes the action group will continue to work closely with the police and borough council to tackle the problem.

"We want to monitor the use of CCTV at the Lychpit shops and want to target the graffiti sprayers continuously and combat vandalism," explained Mr Renwick.

"A lot of residents want to be proactive and want to know what they can do to help. It is our job to develop the information and pass it on to them and let them know how they can be of help."

Mr Renwick said the action group is also looking at consolidating links with neighbourhood watch teams.

Borough cleansing officer, Blanche Miles, said she works closely with the police and has a team of 25 staff who clean the streets and remove graffiti.

She told The Gazette: "Those responsible for the graffiti in this area are from this area - someone knows who they are. If you see anyone doing graffiti, call the police, or if you see graffiti, call the borough council hotline on 0800 212218."