GRAFFITI

It is estimated that English councils spend

£27 million a year on graffiti removal and
90% of authorities think it’s a problem in
their area. It can lead to the decline of an
area and a lack of respect for the place in
which people live, work and play.

« Keep Britain Tidy » launched a campaign highlighting a simple message that ‘graffiti is not art’
and promoted a zero tolerance approach to the issue. The campaign was aimed to target
politicians and local authorities to try and change their perspective and policies on graffiti.

All members of Parliament were written to asking them to endorse the campaign on behalf of
the residents and businesses in their constituency. 123 MPs signed up to the campaign. A letter
of support was received from the MPs offering the following endorsement: ‘Graffiti is not art – it’s
crime, making our neighbourhoods look squalid, damaging people’s property and when it’s
racist or offensive, it causes fear and heartache. On behalf of constituents and all right- minded
people, I back this campaign and will do all I can, to rid out community of this problem.’

If you would like to run this campaign or if you want to get involved please contact the marketing
team

www keep Britain Tidy.com

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1) Find a French equivalent for the following words:

- council: ………………………. - constituents: ……………………….

- endorse: ………………………. - to back: ……………………….

- squalid: ………………………. - to rid out: ……………………….

2) Read the text, spot the different numbers and say what they represent.

3) What did MPs and the « Keep Britain Tidy » campaign think and do?

4) What is KBT’s slogan? Give a list of the different arguments they use.

5) Your turn now! Work in groups to find out arguments for and against graffiti.