Charnwood Borough Council

CABLE boxes defaced with graffiti and fly-posting will soon become cleaner and greener, if Charnwood Borough Council and the new cable concern Virgin Media agree a contract for the Council to take over responsibility.

The cable boxes, also known as telecoms cabinets, have often been the target of graffiti and, subject to successful negotiations, Charnwood Borough Council will be looking to take over cleaning them later this year.

Cllr Max Hunt, Leader, said: “The boxes can really bring the environment of the community down – they seem to be an ideal target for graffiti and I’m pleased that we’re looking to take over the clean up and also link this to preventing it, in the first place.

“We need to work with the local communities to identify those who repeatedly graffiti our neighbourhoods – people need to report when they see the vandals in action and when there needs to be clear-ups.”

There are nearly 1,000 cable boxes across Charnwood and the Council will look to work in partnership with the companies.

Cllr Gough, Cabinet Member for Environment, added: “This is part of our commitment to creating a cleaner, greener Borough and it’s steps such as this that make such a difference to the look and feel of our communities.

“Graffiti and fly-posting is an enviro-crime and we want to be reducing it as far as possible. If a small amount of graffiti is already on the boxes it attracts others to add to it. By clearing it quicker we want to stop this.”

Cllr Hunt commented: “It’s unfortunate that we cannot address the graffiti or fly-posting when it is on private property and it’s the responsibility of highways, post, cable and other utilities to clean up their facilities.

“But we do work with these people to clear up as soon as possible – and we hope that a deal with Virgin Media will be the first of several.”

People can call the Council direct to report enviro-crimes on (01509) 63 4563.