Writing not on the wall for young firefighters
Warwickshire Fire and Rescue Service has teamed up with the young firefighters from Coleshill to clean up the area around Coleshill Leisure Centre.
The scheme, supported by North Warwickshire Borough Council, was another part of the work carried out by the young firefighters aimed at increasing the feeling of community safety in the area.
Using the special graffiti removal equipment, lent by the borough council, the young firefighters tackled the area behind the leisure centre where graffiti has blighted the skateboard park.
Lizzie Hill of Coleshill Young Fire Fighters, said: “The graffiti makes the area look as if it isn’t cared for.”
Her colleague, Megan Jones, agreed: “When I see the graffiti, I think ‘Why bother doing it?’ It spoils the place. I’d rather make my neighbourhood better, not worse.”
John Giles of Warwickshire Fire and Rescue Service said: “We cover many aspects of community safety with the young firefighters. Graffiti is not the most obvious threat to community safety but the sight of it makes areas look more intimidating. When it is cleared away, it sends a message that people are caring for areas and makes everyone feel a bit more at ease.”
Clean-up kits, belonging to North Warwickshire Borough Council, containing litter pickers, high-visibility vests, litter awareness posters and graffiti removal kits are available free of charge to parish councils and other relevant community groups to assist them with carrying out community clean-up events.
Groups need to fill out a questionnaire on their local area and to make a commitment to use the kits, which are also available for one-off events. Anyone wanting the kit can call the borough council on 01827 719258.
Zoe Davies, community development officer (environment) with North Warwickshire Borough Council said: “Local groups are in an ideal position to act quickly and therefore keep the place looking clean, something we know helps discourage further litter and graffiti. It is hoped that by supporting this kind of community-led action a strong message will go out to those causing the problem that these are issues which have a significant impact on the people and places where they live.”