BUSINESSES have joined forces with Bexley Council and the police to help stamp out graffiti.

In a campaign launched at Sidcup's B&Q store, shops have banned the sale of spray paints and jumbo marker pens to under-18s. The items will also now be stored behind the counter to stop them from being stolen.

So far, 55 shops across the borough have signed up to the scheme and will have posters and stickers in their shops.

It currently costs the council £177,000 a year cleaning up graffiti across the borough. Last year, it cleaned up the equivalent of 162 football pitches.

To help in the fight against graffiti or to sign up to the scheme, call Dave Saunders on 020 8303 7777 ext 3655.

July 15, 2002 13:00