Graffiti and fly-posting Removal

Graffiti and fly-posting is an offence under the Criminal Damage Act of 1971. It costs us and private property owners thousands of pounds for its removal. It can also sometimes be offensive.

Our rapid response teams carry out cleaning activities to remove graffiti and fly-posting.

We want to prevent and eradicate all graffiti in the city in particular any that is racist, abusive or rude, no matter where it is found. This initiative is key in making the city a fair and equal society, free from prejudice and hate. Additionally, making Stoke-on-Trent a cleaner and more attractive envvironment for all who work, live in and visit our city.

Records are kept of incidents of racist graffiti through the Partnership Approach to Racial Incidents in North Staffordshire (PARINS) reporting system at source at Stoke-on-Call.

What the service provides

Graffiti found on council land or buildings and all street furniture, excluding British Telecom (BT) phone boxes, will be removed.

Where the graffiti is on private land or buildings, we will endeavour to get the owner to remove it. If the owner is unable to do so but gives consent and signs a disclaimer we will arrange for its removal.

If the owner of the private land or building does not consent to its removal, we will not be able to remove it. In these cases we work alongside other agencies, like the North Staffs Racial Equality Council and Mediation Services to have it removed.

Frequently asked questions

Q. How do I report graffiti or fly-posting?

A. To report graffiti or fly-posting you can fill in our online form by following this link or phone 01782 234234.

Q. What if I cannot pay?

A. Our priority is to ensure that the graffiti is removed in the first instance, all reasonable costs will be recovered on a case by case process.

Q. How will the graffiti be removed?

A. The removal process can involve the use of a high pressure water jet with detergent. Alternatively it may simply be overcoated with paint if overpainting is quicker or if it is dangerous to use water, for example an electrical hazard. Our employees will endeavour to exercise all reasonable care when carrying out the work.

Q. What if you damage my property?

A. We will not commence any work without your express consent and the signing of a disclaimer form. This disclaimer is your recognition and acceptance that we will accept no responsibility for damage caused by the removal process or any further maintenance thereof. We will also explain what removal process we will use before we commence any work. All our employees engaged on this type of work are fully trained in the use of the equipment and graffiti removal. They will always exercise the greatest care when carrying out this work.    

Service Standards

For more information on the service standards of this and other related services, follow this link to our service standards and response time page.