Braintree District Council believe rise in graffiti is down to one person

Residents have raised concerns that Braintree is quickly becoming an eye sore after a rise in graffiti over the town centre.

One resident, who wishes to remain anonymous, moved here from London but is starting to “regret” the decision.

They said: “Braintree is fast becoming a graffiti eyesore, when walking my dogs, I’ve seen so much property damaged by the graffiti.

“It’s all over the town centre shops and businesses walls, it’s making the town look awful and most of the new internet box that have only just been installed have been graffitied and the local bus stops.

“This stupid act of reckless behaviour needs to stop, it’s making our town look like a run done area. I’ve moved here from London but I’m starting to regret it.”

But Wendy Schmitt, Braintree councillor responsible for environment and place, said the authority believes the graffiti is down to one person.

Mrs Schmitt said: “Luckily we haven’t had this problem for several years, but I am disgusted that it is becoming an issue thanks to what we think is one person.

“Graffiti is criminal damage and shows total disrespect for other people’s property, with a total disregard for the fact that this costs taxpayers and property owners to remove at a time when we are all struggling financially.

“I am particularly saddened that someone has put graffiti over an image designed to give residents advice about coronavirus.

“This is a time when we should all be coming together as a community, not making things more difficult for one another.

“We are investigating this matter and we have also raised it with Essex Police, but we need the public’s help, if anyone knows who is responsible for this tag, contact us and identify the person so we can take action.”