All this week we are revisiting the issues and see what progress has been made. Today MONIQUE CLEAVER puts the spotlight on graffiti.


Swastikas which have been spray-painted on walls in Kettering have led one man to make the clean-up of graffiti a priority.

Kettering councillor Paul Corazzo said he was disgusted to see the Nazi symbols appearing around the town and has backed the Evening Telegraph's Seven Social Sins campaign.

He said graffiti can have a hugely negative effect on an area and that it was vital for councils to clean up any spray-painting as soon as possible.

Cllr Corazzo said: "The swastikas are offensive and it's someone expressing a view on something that is abhorrent to most people.

"No matter what the topic is, there should be a zero tolerance approach to graffiti.

"Graffiti is a pet concern of mine and it's a personal crusade. It brings areas down.

"If it just sits there it gives licence to others to do something similar, almost as if it's acceptable.

"I know people want to express themselves but using a spray can on a wall isn't the right way of doing it."

The Evening Telegraph wants to hear from you if you think graffiti and vandalism is the biggest problem facing communities and estates.

In the past, we have teamed up with Corby Council to tackle graffiti hotspots and warn people that defacing or damaging property will not be tolerated.

Our efforts saw offensive graffiti removed from the walls of St Columba's Church in Studfall Avenue, Corby.

Earlier this month, an area of Kettering which is regularly targeted by vandals and graffiti artists was given a makeover.

Kettering Council's Kleen Sweep initiative tackled the area around Cedar Road shops, with probationers helping with the clean-up operation.

Residents in Kettering who want to report graffiti can now take a picture of the offending site and send a picture message to Kettering Council.

The council's Text to Tell service means officers can see exactly what the problem is.

Just send your pictures of graffiti hotspots to the council on 07803 851 600.

Anyone who wants to report graffiti can call their borough or district councils.


Vote for the sin that angers you most

You can vote for the sin that angers you the most online, by phone or text.

To vote online visit www.northantset.co.uk and click the Seven Social Sins section.

To vote by phone call 0901 111 2125 and enter your vote using your telephone keypad once instructed – you'll be asked to enter four digits.

The digits are:
Dog fouling 0001
Graffiti 0002
Motorbike pest 0003
Litter 0004
Fly-tipping and abandoned cars 0005
Illegal parking 0006
Potholes 0007

To place your vote via text start your text with the word NETSINS leave a space then write the sin of your choice and send to 81800.