High-tech efforts to remove “eyesore” graffiti from a prominent wall next to Newcastle’s Town Moor have been completed.
Special lasers have been used to clean up the wall along Grandstand Road, which had become a well-known vandalism hotspot.
The clean-up, led by the Gosforth Against Graffiti group and local Cllr Doc Anand, started last summer and involved Sunderland-based ISR Laser Cleaning being brought in to showcase their state-of-the-art techniques.
Using lasers rather than simply scrubbing the wall clean meant that the paint would be effectively vaporised without damaging the stone underneath, which was then treated with a special coating that will allow any future graffiti to be more easily wiped clear.
Cllr Anand, who is Newcastle’s only Conservative cllr, said: “I am delighted to have delivered this mission accomplished moment for our community. This was all about actions, not words.
“For months, we’ve been working tirelessly to raise the necessary funds locally. This was a true community effort, demonstrating what can be achieved when we work together.”
Thousands of pounds worth of public donations were collected to fund the removal of 120m worth of graffiti, with it becoming an “eyesore” which “plagued the gateway to Gosforth”.
The initiative has also been welcomed by the Freemen of Newcastle, who manage the Town Moor in partnership with Newcastle City Council.
David Wilson, chair of the Freemen’s stewards committee, said: “Looking after the environment of our city is one of the key objectives of the Freemen of the City.
“We are delighted that Doc Anand and his residents group have taken this action to help keep our city clean and attractive. We are very pleased to support and commend the group. This is a great example of residents taking positive action and responsibility for the benefit of our communities.”
