Wokingham Lib Dems angered at Tory complacency about Graffiti (Wokingham Liberal Democrats)

Wokingham Liberal Democrats <info@wokinghamlibdems.org.uk>

Wokingham Lib Dems angered at Tory complacency about Graffiti

December 1, 2003 12:00 AM

At the Council Meeting at Wokingham District Council last Thursday, Wokingham Tories dismissed the Liberal Democrats' ideas for ridding the district of graffiti.

Councillor Tina Marinos (Lib Dem Councillor for Evendons ward) said, "Tory complacency about the scourge of graffiti in our district knows no bounds. The Lib Dems put forward really positive ideas for getting rid of graffiti, but the Tories wouldn't even listen. They rejected our ideas and even criticised us for bringing our ideas to the Council meeting."

Councillor Stephen Conway (newly elected Deputy Leader of the Lib Dem Group) said, "The arrogance displayed by the Conservatives at the Council meeting was truly breathtaking. They told us that graffiti is a minor problem. If they bothered to listen to residents they would know that graffiti degrades the quality of the environment and makes people feel that their communities are neglected. But the Tories seem to believe that they are doing enough. Their complacency on this issue - and others - is quite staggering. They refuse to talk or work with the Liberal Democrats."

Tina Marinos added, "The Tories are not doing themselves any favours by trying to sideline the Liberal Democrats. Our residents expect us all to work together for the good of the community, and this is at the heart of Liberal Democrat philosophy. I take their refusal to listen to us as a sign of their fear of us."

The Liberal Democrat Motion read:

"This Council notes with concern the continuing blight of criminal damage caused by graffiti in our District. It also notes with concern that the budget for removing graffiti has not been fully used, giving residents the perception that graffiti removal is not a priority to this Council.

This Council undertakes to:

(a) Use modern technology to deter further defacement, and to aid the removal of graffiti without causing damage to property.

(b) Strengthen our relationship with the public utilities, whose property is a regular target for graffiti.

(c) Carry out a public relations exercise and education programme to deter future incidents of graffiti and to instill pride in our community."

The Tories amended the motion to read:

"This Council notes with concern the continuing blight of criminal damage caused by graffiti in our District. This Council undertakes to support all efforts to continue to resolve this problem."