An attempt to put a stop to vandalism was today criticised as a way of condoning youngsters' bad behaviour.

The condemnation came after members of Castle Point Council's scrutiny and overview committee called in plans to create a community mural in the Tarpots area of Benfleet.

The innovative scheme would have seen graffiti artists involved in decorating two murals to be set up in the shopping parade. However, Bill Dick (Con, St Peter's) is concerned some traders might not back the proposal and has called the project in to be reviewed.

He said: "I want to make sure everyone is behind this project. The council is behind it but I want to make sure all the traders support it too.

"The scheme has not been discussed with the public for a while and I am concerned there may be some people who do not agree with it.

"I therefore want investigations to be made to ensure everyone is still behind the project."

However, Gail Boland (Con, Boyce) said: "If these vandals are given a wall to graffiti they will not want to paint on it because they will not be getting the buzz of doing something they are not allowed to.

"Are we not condoning their bad behaviour? Where will this stop? They enjoy smashing bus shelters so are we going to give them a 6ft high mock bus shelter for them to smash? "

Opposition leader Dave Blackwell (Lab, Canvey Central) said: "This is not going to be a wall with words and names written all over it. It will be a piece of art work."

Published Monday, June 16, 2003

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