The Youth Project Team remove graffiti from local businesses

There have been concerns recently over unsightly graffiti designs being left on local office premises in Heathfield. Through the joint partnership work of the SWP it was decided to fund a graffiti clean up team. The team consisted of approximately 12 young people who had been made aware of the seriousness of this offence and following communication with local police and the owners of the most affected building, they set out to restore the building. The young people took responsibility and were enthusiastic in taking part in cleaning it up. They worked with a really good spirit and helped each other.

The young people talked about their skills and about the enjoyment they felt seeing the results of their hard work. They indicated their willingness to get involved in other clean-up projects for the community, such as the skate park. They were happy to take responsibility for the irresponsibility of others, and wanted to show the community that they are not all bad. There was positive reaction and comments from other members of the public who saw the work in progress and the excellent final result. Police Community Support Officers stayed with the Youth Project Team for the duration of the graffiti clean up and the Safer Wealden Partnership are delighted they are in a position to help fund groups of youngsters doing good work in the community.

Quote from Beata Drury, the Youth Leader, “It was brought to our attention that several places in Heathfield had become victims of graffiti designs and the young people from the Youth Project Team were more than happy to help in the clean-up”.