INCH06
21st November 2006, 01:14 PM
http://www.northumberlandtoday.co.uk/ViewArticle2.aspx?SectionID=1117&ArticleID=1879786
"VANDALS, have targeted some of Alnwick's most historic buildings after setting out on a two week graffiti rampage across the town. Alnwick police and Alnwick District Council are now appealing for help from the public to track down the yobs who have defaced the town.
The spate of vandalism started two weeks ago when St Thomas?s Workshops at Barresdale were attacked. Since then, Ratten Row, the Duchess?s High School, Pottergate Tower, Duke?s Memorial Cottages at Pottergate, Howling Lane, Barndale School and The Corn Exchange have been targeted. This weekend, Northumberland Hall and the lane leading
from Market Place to Fenkle Street were the latest to be hit in the tagging spree, where graffiti vandals leave their signature mark on walls. County, district and town councillor for Alnwick, Gordon Castle, said: ?This has suddenly flared up again over the last few weeks and it is a serious cause for concern as it disfigures the town. I have spoken to police about it and they are on the case so hopefully we will sort this problem out promptly.?
Optician Kevin Thompson, owner of the Corn Exchange, said the building has been at the brunt of attacks for more than 15 years.
The Corn Exchange area has customarily been a hot-spot for vandalism and graffiti and has itself had numerous attacks of vandalism to it, being broken into several times,? he said.
He believes restricting access to the area would solve the problem but has so far been unable to because of problems with the council. Mr Thompson added: ?I am trying very hard to come to some agreement with council officers over what can be done with the land in my ownership. ?However, it is very difficult trying to provide any form of modern development when you are surrounded by other areas of deprivation. ?It?s a bit like trying to make a silk purse from a sow?s ear when it is still attached to the rest of the pig.? Alice Mason, who has a unit at St Thomas?s Workshops, said she has not been hit but added the graffiti has made the area look ?a right eyesore?. Coun Roger Styring, chairman of the council?s operations
executive committee, said: ?As always, it is only a handful of irresponsible youths who are causing this trouble and we must not let this detract from the fact that the vast majority of youngsters who live in this area are a real credit to the community. ?We live in a beautiful district and are determined it will remain this way.? Police are treating this as a serious anti-social offence. Two people have been arrested and work is ongoing to catch the culprits.
Alnwick District Council?s technical service workers will remove the graffiti and it is hoped the caught offenders will foot the bill.
Anyone with information can contact Sergeant Neville Wharrier or PC Andy Walsh in confidence at Alnwick Police Station"
"VANDALS, have targeted some of Alnwick's most historic buildings after setting out on a two week graffiti rampage across the town. Alnwick police and Alnwick District Council are now appealing for help from the public to track down the yobs who have defaced the town.
The spate of vandalism started two weeks ago when St Thomas?s Workshops at Barresdale were attacked. Since then, Ratten Row, the Duchess?s High School, Pottergate Tower, Duke?s Memorial Cottages at Pottergate, Howling Lane, Barndale School and The Corn Exchange have been targeted. This weekend, Northumberland Hall and the lane leading
from Market Place to Fenkle Street were the latest to be hit in the tagging spree, where graffiti vandals leave their signature mark on walls. County, district and town councillor for Alnwick, Gordon Castle, said: ?This has suddenly flared up again over the last few weeks and it is a serious cause for concern as it disfigures the town. I have spoken to police about it and they are on the case so hopefully we will sort this problem out promptly.?
Optician Kevin Thompson, owner of the Corn Exchange, said the building has been at the brunt of attacks for more than 15 years.
The Corn Exchange area has customarily been a hot-spot for vandalism and graffiti and has itself had numerous attacks of vandalism to it, being broken into several times,? he said.
He believes restricting access to the area would solve the problem but has so far been unable to because of problems with the council. Mr Thompson added: ?I am trying very hard to come to some agreement with council officers over what can be done with the land in my ownership. ?However, it is very difficult trying to provide any form of modern development when you are surrounded by other areas of deprivation. ?It?s a bit like trying to make a silk purse from a sow?s ear when it is still attached to the rest of the pig.? Alice Mason, who has a unit at St Thomas?s Workshops, said she has not been hit but added the graffiti has made the area look ?a right eyesore?. Coun Roger Styring, chairman of the council?s operations
executive committee, said: ?As always, it is only a handful of irresponsible youths who are causing this trouble and we must not let this detract from the fact that the vast majority of youngsters who live in this area are a real credit to the community. ?We live in a beautiful district and are determined it will remain this way.? Police are treating this as a serious anti-social offence. Two people have been arrested and work is ongoing to catch the culprits.
Alnwick District Council?s technical service workers will remove the graffiti and it is hoped the caught offenders will foot the bill.
Anyone with information can contact Sergeant Neville Wharrier or PC Andy Walsh in confidence at Alnwick Police Station"