Graffiti
We will do all that we can to remove graffiti from our own property within seven days and we can advise private owners to try and achieve the same; however, the responsibility for removal from other properties lies with the respective owner. Graffiti is in some circumstances considered criminal damage by the police and therefore if your property is affected this should be reported to them.
Who to report Graffiti to
Mendip District Council aren't responsible for all the Graffiti in the district and are only responsible for Graffiti on Council property. You should report Graffiti to the owner of the property it's on:
- Billboards (advertising hoardings): the name of the billboard company is displayed on the billboard, contact them directly
- BT telephone boxes, email customer.serv.payphones@bt.com
- Railway bridges, email CRWest@Networkrail.co.uk
- Post boxes, email customer.service.team@royalmail.com
- Churches, contact the church or diocese
Graffiti and the law
In England and Wales, graffiti is considered an act of criminal damage under the Criminal Damage Act 1971 and offenders can be punished with an unlimited fine.
Since 2004 it has also been an offence for shop-keepers to sell spray-paint to under-16s. In England and Wales, the offence is under section 54 of the Anti-social Behaviour Act 2003, with a maximum fine of £2500.
Graffiti on historic buildings
Many buildings throughout the Mendip District Council area are Listed (historic buildings); it may therefore in these instances be advisable to contact the Council's Conservation Section prior to starting any work.
How to report graffiti
You can report a problem with graffiti on Council property using our online form below, by email, telephone or post. Please give as much information as you can. For Instance:
- Location e.g. town or village and road name
- Description of graffiti and is it offensive?