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Tuesday, 13th May 2008

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Video: Is writing on the wall for new graffiti boards?



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Graffiti boards are placed in an area of the city to give artists somewhere to legally express themselves. (6Mb)
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Tara Dundon

Graffiti boards that have been put up on an area of grassland in the city have sparked outrage among residents.
The two double-sided boards were erected yesterday afternoon in Orton Goldhay, between Stagsden and Mandeville, in a bid to allow artists to express themselves freely.

However, the 8ft by 4ft boards, which were provided using money from Peterborough City Council's Community Leadership Fund, after ward councillors decided to spend part of their £10,000 allocation on them, have been blasted by local residents as a waste of taxpayers' money and an eyesore.

Dorothy Dodds (70), of Mandeville, said: "I agree that youngsters should have somewhere to go, but why has it got to be on two boards in the middle of a park? why can't it be on some of the buildings around the city?

"They will be knocked down in no time. it is such a waste of money."

Another Mandeville resident, Tom Daly (38), added: "I can understand that the council is trying to address the problems, but the bottom line is, it didn't ask us what we, the residents, thought and went ahead and spent this public money without our approval.

"It would be better off spending time, effort and our money on something more important in the Ortons.

"They will drum up so much negativity and fuel rivalry between graffiti artists."

Former graffiti vandal Nathan Murdoch, who has been calling for these zones to be introduced into the city, in a bid to recognise the skills and talents of young people, said: "It's a start. The size of the boards isn't great when you consider how many people will want to use them.

"The location is beautiful, but maybe too beautiful.

"It is rather a public spot and graffiti will only be frowned upon there, rather than appreciated.

"But it is a step in the right direction."

Peterborough City Council's cabinet member for environment and community safety Graham Murphy added: "We have a lot of problems with graffiti across the city, and the boards are a way of addressing some of the problems within the community.

"They will give people the chance to show off their talents legally without any fear of repercussions.

"We will wait and see how they are used and when the boards have been filled up, we will come down and clean them so the artists can start again.

"If it doesn't work, or attracts the wrong type of behaviour, then we will look at something else."

The full article contains 426 words and appears in Peterborough ET newspaper.
Page 1 of 1

  • Last Updated: 07 May 2008 10:15 AM
  • Source: Peterborough ET
  • Location: Peterborough
 
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1

Tarnshark,

07/05/2008 16:52:55
Why can't kids sit in their bedrooms and paint pictures? If it was good enough for Picasso, I'm sure it'll do for a 'former graffiti vandal'
2

DonB,

Peterborough 07/05/2008 18:57:15
It's a gimmick, nothing more than pandering to criminals.
3

jammond,

not in orton anymore 07/05/2008 20:10:43
I drove past there today, its bad enough that vandals and criminals trash Orton without the council wasting money encouraging them, its only a matter of time before the graffiti "spreads" away from the boards. Why put it near such a beautiful site, why couldn't they erect the boards near that hideous eyesore formally known as the orton centre?
Local councillors should have volunteered to have them erected outside thier own homes or better still on the side of their houses. Are the council trying to show us they have more money than sense?
4

captainsawdust,

Costa del hampton 07/05/2008 21:16:37
Oh dear what a waste of our cash, its a bit like that footbridge there building over the parkway :-(
5

waynesill,

07/05/2008 22:51:51
Oh well captainsawdust they will be able to travel into your neck of the woods and display their artistic talents throughout Hampton and beyond ;0)
6

Nathan Murdoch,

pboro 07/05/2008 22:57:32
like i did say, i wouldnt of chose that location. i paint them and i dont want them there ever, it is a beautiful site and as much as i love graffiti. they belong on the side of skate parc/ basketball court.

ill be there over the weekend, im pretty easy going and will chat to anyone that has any non offensive questions.
7

Postie supporter,

08/05/2008 02:12:51
Research shows that when a legal graffiti areas are provided it stops the ilegal taging etc of the local area. For once I have to congratulate the council for this idea. We need a lot more thinking like this from the council to control anti social behaviour etc
8

nnooop,

Dogsthorpe 08/05/2008 08:52:30
The main reason for such graffiti is the availability of aerosol spray paints. Would it not be better to limit their sale similar to that of lighter fluid etc??
9

Tom Daly,

08/05/2008 09:14:02
As said in the interviews, most of which was edited and summarised. My main gripe was not with the Graffitti issue, which was being looked at. But more to do with the blatent disregard of the consultation of the residents, whether they be in our area or any other area. We still did not get a reply from the council representatives as to why, how much, how long was this to be in place, well did I or others expect that, guess not. One of the points I raised, which was not mentioned, was to rejuvenate the Lady Lodge Arts Centre to enable these "talented" individuals to show their work. From the years 1986 to 1992, this centre was "buzzing" with numerous activities, up and coming bands, arts activities for all ages, nearly at least twice in a month. Since then for another 16 years - the community has had the misfortune of the main lack of services. There had been the odd day or two. but recently the destruction of the big barn, which housed costumes and other equipment could have impacted residents homes as the fire was that severe it needed several fire services to put under control. This was used for Folk and other festivals in the Ortons. Why, but thats a different debate. Tom.
10

Graffiti Artist,

P'Boro 09/05/2008 16:39:36
i think this is a amazing idea ...i have wanted somewhere where i can atchally do it legally for a long while ... it use to be the old y2sk8 park. Also Nathan Murdoch i think i have met you before there at the y2sk8 graffiti jam .... and i will be going to these boards saturday so i might see you there .. (if your the one who i am thinking about) .... but overall everyone who i know thinks this is a good idea and no it wont keep all the "toys" skribbling over walls ... but atleast it is a place for people to express what makes them feel good and it is a start. However i think these boards are well too small and i know alot of people who want to use them and it will simply cause mayhem everyone going over eachother every 5 mins...
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