Graffiti given the go ahead in Chippenham

Graffiti artists in Chippenham have been given the go ahead to spray on a specially designated wall in the town centre.

As of yesterday the council introduced a wall under the first road bridge, off Avenue la Fleche into Gladstone Road by the Weir (Gladstone Road Bridge) where young people are free to get creative.

The move comes after a recent spate of graffiti related incidents in Chippenham. To help encourage legal graffiti, Wiltshire Council along with the police, Chippenham Town Council and local businesses such as Wickes (who donated rollers and brushes), decided to make a designated wall available.

Although graffiti is a criminal offence but when young people use the designated wall for spray art, they will not be charged with criminal damage in exchange for agreeing not to graffiti elsewhere in the town.

Keith Humphries, cabinet member for public health and protection services said: "I am delighted we have been able to set this up. We have listened to local young people and made this wall available for them.

"This will allow young people in the town to express themselves creatively which in turn should reduce the illegal spraying that has taken place recently. We look forward to seeing some of the great art that is produced"

A charter has been drawn up with young people, which explains how the wall should be used appropriately including respecting other people's art, not spraying anything offensive, and respecting the surrounding environment.

What do you think about the wall? Will it help control Chippenham graffiti problem?