GRAFFITI will be the target of a clampdown in Hart this month.

The Graffiti Focus Week, which takes place twice a year, will run from Monday, September 22 to Friday, September 26.

Cleaners will target graffiti nominated by residents, while talks will take place in schools to remind children about the negative effects that graffiti can have.

Most-wanted posters of graffiti tags will be put up and published on social media accounts online. They include graffiti in a subway in Griffin Way South, Hook, and on play equipment in Hartletts Park, as well as on a wall in Mitchell Avenue, Hartley Wintney.

David Lipscombe, community safety projects team leader for Safer North Hampshire, said: “This is a highly visible initiative which improves the environment and people’s perceptions of the local area.

“There has been a 36 per cent reduction in graffiti reports in the last year and this is partly thanks to the partnership ‘nipping in the bud’ any graffiti spread.”

The campaign has run for many years and has now spread from Hart to both Basingstoke and Rushmoor, under the control of Safer North Hampshire, which is made up of community safety teams from the three authorities.

To report graffiti, visit hart.gov.uk/report-it or call 01252 622122, or if in the Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council area, visit basingstoke.gov.uk or call 01256 844844.