Cleaning up the streets

From the archive, first published Saturday 15th Jan 2005.

Street cleaning crews in Oxford are being equipped with a new high-powered graffiti remover to keep the city clean.

The Hot Wash Graffiti Remover is part of the city council's campaign to combat the problem and can reach dirty areas with a hot jet, even if they are difficult to access.

The equipment, which cost £16,000, can also be sued to remove chewing gum and wash away oil deposits and fat stains.

Mary Clarkson, the council's executive member for the environment, said: "I'm delighted to launch this new equipment.

"It will make a huge difference to the effectiveness of our street cleansing programme, and will benefit all the residents of Oxford, as well as creating a better impression for visitors.

"Thousands of pounds of damage is caused to both public and private property through graffiti and this new equipment will help tackle the problem."

Last year the council spent £43,000 on a street cleaning vehicle in the fight against litter and graffiti.

The vehicle, which is the size of a small van, allows sweeping and washing to take place simultaneously.

Last year, the city council adopted a get-tough approach to deal with graffiti.

It was one of a number of key priorities for Oxford city centre beat officer Pc Paul Phillips and Carfax city councillor Paul Sargent.

They pledged to tackle outbreaks of graffiti within 24 hours instead of leaving it for months.

Archive Home