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Lasers vaporise graffiti on Brighton's 'awful' street

George CardenKemptown
News imageGeorge Carden/BBC A man in high vis with special glasses on while pointing a laser at a brick wall with graffiti on it. The laser vaporises graffitiGeorge Carden/BBC
Council teams are cleaning up St James' Street in Brighton this morning

Teams have been deployed to deep clean a road in Brighton which one resident described as "awful" due to the amount of graffiti and litter.

Brighton & Hove City Council workers were out in St James' Street on Monday with jet washers, brushes and lasers which vaporise graffiti.

Residents and shop workers welcomed the clean up, but feared rubbish would return in a matter of days.

The council said the day of action was about "creating cleaner, safer and more welcoming neighbourhoods".

News imageGeorge Carden/BBC A shuttered up shop with black metal shutters and silver graffiti on the shutters on St James' StreetGeorge Carden/BBC
Teams were removing graffiti, jetwashing and sweeping the area

Teams used a special laser which vaporises graffiti without damaging the surface below. It is described as an eco-friendly alternative to chemical stripping and sandblasting.

Residents and shop keepers had mixed thoughts on the clean up.

One off licence worker, who asked not to be named, said: "It's like everywhere in Brighton - but a bit worse.

"This street has always had a reputation for being unclean and having graffiti. If you come back here in a few days' time, it will be the same old story."

News imageGeorge Carden/BBC A man holding a laser gun pointed at blue graffiti on a brick wall, the graffiti is being vaporised away George Carden/BBC
The council is using lasers to remove graffiti from walls

Resident John, who did not give his surname, said: "I think it should be done more often. It's a good idea, but how long will it last? I can't tell you.

"They sweep the street but it's not enough."

He said the cleanliness of the street was "awful".

Connor Betts, who was commuting to work, added: "It can be messy but I think the street cleaners do a good job here in Brighton."

Theresa Mackey, a ward councillor for Kemptown, said: "St James' Street is heavily used. It has a vibrant night time economy.

"We do experience quite a lot of litter and posters on lampposts for example. We're sprucing it up."

News imageGeorge Carden/BBC Theresa Mackey who had dyed black hair and a black leather jacket. Standing in St James' Street smiling at the cameraGeorge Carden/BBC
Councillor Theresa Mackey attended the clean-up

The council was also trying to deter fly tipping, by allowing residents in the area to dispose of one bulky household item free of charge. The authority said people need to bring proof of address and ID.

Councillor Tim Rowkins, cabinet member for net zero and environmental services, said: "Council teams are out across Brighton & Hove every day cleaning streets, removing graffiti, collecting waste and helping to keep public spaces welcoming for everyone.

"But every now and again, we like to arrive in force and blitz a whole area.

"This clean-up event is a chance for residents and businesses to join with our own teams in a collective effort to improve the area."

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