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Spiky plants are a prickly problem for Nuneaton’s vandals

Warwickshire County Council, Warwickshire Police and the Probation Service are working together to prevent graffiti and criminal damage across Warwickshire.

Earlier this year, Warwickshire County Council successfully applied for funding from the Government Office of the West Midlands (GOWM) to buy prickly plants and anti-vandal paint.

As a result, 1,100 sharp-edged plants, anti-graffiti and anti-vandal paint have been provided by Warwickshire County Council and Nuneaton & Bedworth Borough Council. 

To identify potential areas that would benefit from the plants and paint, areas that have suffered graffiti and damage in the past were highlighted.

Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs) also sought out locations that would benefit from this initiative.

Warwickshire Probation Service is organising people who are serving complete and unpaid work orders to plant the spiky vegetation and paint walls and fences in relevant areas, such as Aberdeen Road, Grove Farm and Galley Common.

This work has already started - over 350 spiky plants have been planted at Aberdeen Road - and prickly plants are being strategically planted in Nuneaton to deter people from trying to get near to previously damaged sites.

The paint, which congeals and disperses felt tip pen marks and spray paint, is currently being used to prevent further graffiti. 

Speaking of the initiative, Julie Sullivan, Corporate Community Safety Manager for Warwickshire County Council said: "Graffiti, vandalism and damage to property affects us all, the environment in which we live and work, it costs us all money and makes us feel threatened.

“If together we can improve the environment, reduce the fear of crime and anti-social behaviour and also help offenders to break out of the cycle of offending, then we all benefit!"

Inspector Chris Walton said: "This is a great example of partnership working, where the Council, Police, and Probation have worked together to achieve a common goal. “

Dave Adams, Quality Assurance Manager of Warwickshire Probation Service said: “This is an excellent project which allows offenders to pay back the community and improve the quality of life for the local community.”