BOMB IT

Classical music is being used to stop graffiti artists and youths from gathering in subways and outside shops in a Kent town.

The scheme is being spread to all of the pedestrian tunnels in Dartford, after a successful piloting of it in one subway under a park.
Most of the sounds have been provided by Austrian composer Gustav Mahler but the intention is to use tracks from other artists including Mozart and Handel.

Since it started in March there has been a significant drop in the number of graffiti cases in the Princes Tunnel in Central Park, Dartford.
Jeremy Kite, Dartford Council leader, said: “People have also told us they feel safer and are enjoying the music.

“It’s worked really well so far. Young people creating graffiti don’t find it cool to be surrounded by classical music.
“They can’t show off and invite their friends to see it. They don’t want to stay there.

“We don’t want to give the impression this is a negative thing, as most people enjoy having music around. It makes people feel happy.”

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Mayor Bill White and Vice Mayor Pro-Tem and Council Member Sue Lovell have announced a new City of Houston Web site for citizens and organizations that want to fight graffiti in their neighborhoods. The site, www.houstontx.gov/graffiti, provides resources for abating, or painting over, graffiti. There is also information on government agencies and groups that provide positive alternatives to graffiti.

The main section of the site will list contact numbers and links to City of Houston departments, other governmental agencies and community organizations that work to abate graffiti. Citizens will also be able to participate in discussions about dealing with graffiti.

Citizens are encouraged to report graffiti by phone to 3-1-1. For more information, contact Lovell’s office at 832-393-3013 or by e-mail at atlarge2@cityofhouston.net.

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