THURROCK Council has launched a targeted campaign tackling graffiti in Tilbury.

Operation Balina commenced on Tuesday 3 March initially focusing on Calcutta Road following feedback from local residents who highlighted the impact graffiti was having on the quality of life of those who live, work or travel in the area.

Within the first 36 hours of activity the team took the following action:

85 separate graffiti tags recorded and removed

12 premises visited, following approval from property owners and removal took place

one fixed penalty notice for fly-tipping

one duty of care waste notice

Cllr Rob Gledhill, Leader of Thurrock Council, said: "We will always take anti-social behaviour in Thurrock very seriously and listen to our residents about issues impacting their lives and the areas in which they live.

"We are working with local businesses and the Community Safety Partnership to make sure our town centres are safe and enjoyable for us all and will take the action necessary to stop a small minority from ruining the lives of entire neighbourhoods through their inconsiderate and unlawful activities.

"Graffiti is not only unsightly, it generally brings the feel a place down which is why we are investing £50,000 from our one off surplus to help tackle the clean up on council buildings and land.

"Since last April we have issued more than 200 fixed penalty notices for various forms of anti-social behaviour including graffiti, littering and fly-tipping and we're delighted to see our efforts celebrated by Keep Britain Tidy who recently awarded our Enforcement Team with a national award."

For information on how to report anti-social behaviour, click here