The writing may be on the wall for vandalism if a new scheme to involve young people in their community is successful.

Young residents of Templars estate in Witham are being given the chance to express themselves through a graffiti project at the estate community office.

The community office, a demountable building in Shaw Road, was put up recently to provide a venue for a wide range of community activities.

But its opening has been delayed by vandals who ran about on the roof, damaging it.

Now it is hoped young people from the estate can be made more protective of the community office if it is adorned by designs they helped create.

The project will be co-ordinated by Thundersley-based professional graffiti artist Scott Irving, who has worked on similar projects across the region.

A group of teenagers from the Templars estate will meet Mr Irving next Wednesday to discuss issues they want reflected in the artwork.

Jo Petchey, Braintree Council housing officer, said: "The message we're trying to give is that vandalism, anti-social behaviour, drugs and alcohol don't work.

"Hopefully, if they have ownership of the community office then the vandalism might stop."

Published Wednesday, June 4, 2003

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