ALTON District Youth Council (ADYC) is calling for the opinions of local people, young and old, to give their views on a possible graffiti wall project for Alton. The increase of illegal graffiti to public and private buildings around the town centre spurred ADYC members to think of ideas to combat this problem. As well as being an eyesore, these acts of vandalism also decrease value and damage the appeal of the town. After an initial research period, contacting other areas who have had similar problems in the past, it was decided that graffiti walls seem to be the way forward. Local authorities with similar schemes have noticed a dramatic drop in illegal graffiti and have been satisfied with the results of these projects within their area. The idea is to create a "graffiti wall" project which would teach and educate people in the field of graffiti, showing them the skills and nature of creating the art by professional artists. At the same time, it would persuade young people to use their skills constructively to the extent that all can benefit from the results. It is hoped the wall would consolidate graffiti within a given space and with the right training could become a feature of Alton for all to be proud of. There have been fears expressed that with graffiti being permitted on this wall, it might encourage a spread around the town. This has been proven not to be the case with the majority of graffiti walls in other areas. A questionnaire has been produced to help ADYC gain a greater understanding as to whether the people of Alton will accept or decline the idea of this project. Questionnaires have already begun circulating around local schools and are available from the town hall and library for all to voice their opinions. ADYC would be grateful if completed forms could be returned to the town hall as soon as possible. If Alton decides to accept the idea, a consultation process will take place in order to find a solution which will suit all who have taken the time to voice their views. Anyone wanting further information or who has any queries about the graffiti wall project can email ADYC chairman Daniel Andrews at [email protected]">[email protected] or visit the website http://www.adyc.org">www.adyc.org
