Calls for 'graffiti' to be written off

Published on Tuesday 7 October 2008 10:01

A MOTHER-of-two is complaining about "graffiti" on the pavement outside her front door – left by the Department of Work and Pensions.

Carrie Duffy, a make-up artist from Inverleith Row, was upset by the messages on her pavement as a warning to benefit thieves.

The Government is using "clean graffiti" – jet-washing messages on to grimy pavements – as a way of targeting fraudsters as part of a nationwide advertising campaign.

But the move has angered residents, who say it is inappropriate in residential areas.

In the wake of complaints the city council is to clean it up today.

Mrs Duffy, 28, said she had been shocked to discover two of the slogans just outside the front door of her flat.

She said: "I don't feel they've targeted me personally, but I've already had comments as I was pushing my pram in the door. I just feel it's opening me up to criticism. I can understand they want to find an environmentally friendly way to advertise, but I don't think it's appropriate having it in residential areas."

"When I phoned the benefits fraud helpline, they were very unhelpful. They basically said it wasn't going to be removed any time soon."

The clean graffiti, designed by British artist Paul Curtis, include the National Benefit Fraud hotline number and the campaign slogan: "We're closing in on benefit thieves."

Residents, as well as shopkeepers, are unhappy with the campaign. Andrew Fraser, a committee member of the Inverleith Society, said: "I think a lot of people will be distressed by this. I don't think it's appropriate, especially in a conservation area."

Aleem Farooqi, manager of Goldenacre Mini-Market, said he did not like the slogans directly outside his shop on Inverleith Row.

He said: "It's totally ridiculous. This is not the way to catch benefit thieves. It's not very nice having it outside my shop."

The city's environment leader, Councillor Robert Aldridge, said the city council would be cleaning the pavement today.

He said: "I'm not convinced that this is an effective means of combating benefit fraud and we do not wish to see any distress caused to local residents."

But a spokeswoman for the Department of Work and Pensions said it had agreed 30 sites with the local authority.

She said: "No adverts should be placed directly outside private residences and we are sorry for any offence and inconvenience caused. We will rectify the situation as soon as possible."