The process of removing graffiti and tagging in Bradford on Avon could become quicker thanks to the introduction of a new task force group.

Resident Andrew Rolph, who has used his own graffiti removal kit on markings around the town for a number of years, approached the town council about tackling the problem.

The town council in turn set up task force group, and is now appealing to residents to become volunteer members. “If I see the graffiti I just take it off,” said Mr Rolph, who has lived in the town for two and a half years. “A lot of it is tagging.

“I worked on the Underground for many years. We know from research that travellers do feel uncomfortable in areas of graffiti. It indicates no one is in control.”

Wiltshire Council is responsible for removing graffiti from public areas, but it is hoped residents will ring the town council as soon as they spot graffiti and they will send out volunteers, resulting in a quicker process. Mayor John Potter said: “If it is on Wiltshire Council property they will do it, but if it is on private property then they won’t, so we thought we would set up a team of people.

“Graffiti isn’t an enormous problem, but it is nice to have a team of people to get to the root of it. I will do a bit and Councillor Laurie Brown will get involved too.”

The town council has already received a graffiti removal kit from Wiltshire Council and training will be given to all volunteers.