MP Challenges minister over 'weak response' to graffiti

12.00.00am GMT Tue 28th Jan 2003

In Home Office questions this week, Vincent Cable challenged ministers to explain why so little was being done to follow up promises that offenders would be made to clear up the mess they create.

Vincent Cable said: "Graffiti remains an eyesore in many residential areas and creates the impression of lawlessness and lack of pride in the neighbourhood."

"Growing numbers of arrests have been made but local young offenders teams and the courts have taken very little advantage of the powers they have to compel offenders to clean up their tags."

"I have to say I have never yet seen this done in the Twickenham area though we have plenty of graffiti some of which has been there for months if not years."

"The Minister admitted that there are big regional variations. He also promised me a new White Paper: this is a very feeble response".