A new initiative has been launched in Penzance which is aimed at tackling graffiti in the town.
This collaborative project seeks to enhance the aesthetic appeal and safety of our community by addressing areas affected by graffiti.
The scheme has been organised by members of the Safer Penzance Partnership, including Cornwall Council, Safer Cornwall, Penzance BID, National Probation Service, and Penzance Council.
Under the Probation Service's Community Payback scheme, teams have been diligently painting over graffiti with the consent of participating and affected businesses.
To date, nine graffiti sites have been successfully painted over in key locations, including Bread Street, Market Jew Street, and Causewayhead.
Mayor of Penzance, Stephen Reynolds, said: “By addressing the problem of graffiti in our town, this fantastic new initiative from the Safer Penzance Partnership not only benefits residents, business owners and visitors, but also highlights the positive work achieved by the Probation Service's Community Payback scheme.
“Penzance Council is proud to support the ongoing success of this collaborative project and appreciates the hard work of everyone involved.”
The project got off the ground thanks to a cash injection from councillor Tim Dwelly, who used £1,000 from his Community Chest allocation. The chest sees each Cornwall councillor receive a small grants budget to support projects in their area.
Members of the public who have graffiti on their building that they wish to be painted over as part of this scheme, are encouraged to contact Penzance Council.
The council has allocated and agreed on a future budget to donate the necessary funds to the National Probation Service to facilitate this ongoing effort.
Cornwall councillor for Penzance East, Tim Dwelly, said: "I've pushed for this project for years, but it was always a complex one to set up. I am delighted it's happening and that Penzance Council, Penzance BID and Probation Service are now looking to make it a mainstream ongoing activity.
“Nine key sites in the town centre have had graffiti removed and a number are still to come, including the well-known 'white wall' which is far from white now with all the graffiti on it! We are all also working together to explore sites for possible artwork.”