In the UK, the removal of graffiti costs over £1 billion every year. Repainting, pressure washing and chemically dissolving are methods used to get rid of the drawings, messages and ‘tags’ spray painted onto buildings, street signs and public land. Graffiti removal teams work early in the mornings so the streets are emptier. High levels of the vandalism are associated with increased levels of crime and fear of crime. However, many people consider graffiti an art, despite the fact that it is illegal, and recognise it as ‘street art’. What are the opinions of members of the community regarding the question: is graffiti an art or vandalism, and what do you think of the situation in the local area?
Melanie Brunger: It depends on the graffiti. I saw a train the other day which had been totally painted and that looked great. I like Banksy’s work but things like tags are vandalism. There isn’t too much graffiti in our local area.
Maddy Nutt: Vandalism - it looks messy and it is anaesthetically pleasing- it is also a challenge to clean off- and many yobs do it as a form of enjoyment- and it should be treated as a high rated crime!
Yasmin Fleming: I think it's vandalism; it's not classy and it has no legal right to be where it is. They are gang signs and tags which should not represent out local area. I think there has been less graffiti recently in Sutton? The only place I can think of is like on Sutton high street the panel windows when the shops are closed.
Evie Foster: I would say it is vandalism when people just write crude words or their names. But in north Cheam they graffitied a derelict building with flowers and trees which is quite nice.
Bini Ryu: Graffiti is art. People like Banksy are not famous for no reason. Graffiti brings colour into our dull streets, bringing them to life. Where would our dark dull streets be without the great art of graffiti?
