SDLP Councillor Cusack is calling for all Party support in a motion requesting Council set up a management task force to deal with the issue of graffiti in the City and District.
The motion will go before the council today, Thursday, November 22.
It states: “This Council recognises the negative impact of unsightly graffiti in our public spaces, community areas and residential streets.
“Acknowledges that this vandalism is not acceptable in our City and District and should not go unchecked. Understands that pride in our place is vital for our wellbeing but also key to our tourism product and welcomes the actions of groups such as UVArts and supports the Peace IV Street Art concepts.
“Pledges to work autonomously or directly with organisations, property owners and the public to identify and facilitate the removal of graffiti and improvement of our neighbourhoods through the establishment of a dedicated task management team across the Councils relevant departments.
Cllr Cusack explained: “It is widely understood that our living environment can have a huge affect on our physical and mental health and how we feel in general.
“This was acknowledged in previous motions I’ve put forward relating to the protection of our shared green spaces and public parks.
“I believe that everyone should have pride in their place and respect for both public and private property .
“In this motion I wanted to take this issue further and extend it to the wider residential area, tackling the visible landscape we all live in.
“Just as litter, rubbish and fly tipping degrade neighbourhoods, unsightly graffiti has an equally offence impact.
“Having recently initiated a project with BT to rid their cabinets of graffiti, I wanted to extend this matter to all blighted surfaces in our area.
“I believe Council should take a lead on this and facilitate public reporting and eradication of graffiti in our public and even private areas.
“My proposal involves Council helping to identify ownership and responsibility of targeted property and facilitate work to remove or even replace unsightly graffiti with art projects.
“This can be done by requesting the area owner/organisation take action or by using Councils own resources. Cross community and Arts organisations already equipped would also have a role to play.
“Not only would this considerably improve our communities but create a positive impression for anyone visiting our beautiful City.
“I would even go as far as requesting officer visits to local schools to discuss the issue of negative graffiti and the affect on our neighbourhoods.
“As Councillors I view our role as one working to continually make things better for our constituents and realistic motions, dealing with issues within our power, can do that.
“I hope that it receives full support.” added Cllr Cusack.
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