I wholeheartedly agree with most of the sentiments expressed by Mr John Spencer regarding the graffiti and acts of sheer vandalism in the Wrythe Green area of Carshalton.

He mentioned the disused toilets in Wrythe Recreation Ground, which have been closed for many years, but forgot to also mention the now very rarely used, graffiti-ridden dressing rooms nearby.

Just across the road is William Street which is a graffiti paradise as seen by the amount of the stuff plastered all over the walls on one side of the street.

One of the houses in Brookfield Avenue had two front room windows smashed by ball bearings fired from a gun a fortnight ago.

My near neighbour currently has her house up for sale. The estate agent attempting to sell the property has been so frustrated she has written to council's environmantal services, with copies to Councillor John Leach and Peter Pankhurst, chairman of LBS Neighbourhood Watch Association, to say the feedback from prospective buyers is that the area is an unsuitable place to live, citing the amount of graffiti.

Up to a few years ago, Wrythe Green, and roads such as Brookfield Avenue, were pleasant places in which to live not anymore.

In the LBS Neighbourhood Watch Association newsletter (Autumn 2001) Chief Inspector David Chinchen wrote: "There is a clear commitment to tackle the persistent problems of graffiti and general anti-social behaviour which reduce the quality of life for some residents and visitors to the borough."

Also in the minutes of the LBS NHW public meeting at St Elphege's Centre in June this year, Mr Chinchen, in an answer to a question from the floor, stated the LBS youth offending team bring the offenders (when caught) out to get them to paint over the damage caused by graffiti. Has anyone seen evidence or a sighting of this in their area?

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November 16, 2001 10:01