Newcastle City Council's anti

After launching in February, the graffiti removal team took down 150 pieces of last month

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Newcastle City Council's new anti-graffiti team is planning to tackle three of the cities' busiest high streets, as they look to clamp down on keeping high footfall areas clean and tidy.

The removal team, which was introduced in February, took down 150 pieces of graffiti last month, using environmentally friendly products and a high-pressure washer.

Work will start later this year to address this issue on West Road, Heaton Road and Shields Road, with buildings, monuments and benches all set to be cleaned up.

Read more: More than 200 people arrested as Northumbria Police clamp down on gang-related activity

This new graffiti team is funded by the Council's Better Lives, Safer Communities programme, which is seeing £1.5 million being invested into stopping anti-social behaviour.

Cllr Jane Byrne, who's work includes environmental and transport issues has spoken about the initiative, and why graffiti is an important problem to tackle.

"Graffiti is unsightly, it makes people feel unsafe and can lead to further crime taking place," she said.

"Tackling graffiti is an ongoing battle but with our additional team we are proactively removing more in high footfall areas and on our high streets, making the areas more attractive for residents and visitors.

"Everyone deserves to live in an area they are proud of and I am delighted to see the new team is already making a visible difference to our communities to create a safer, cleaner city for everyone."

Cllr Paula Maines, who works with local communities across the city to give them fair opportunities, has also shared her thoughts on the new team.

"Tackling anti-social behaviour is one of our key priorities which is why we are investing an extra £1.5m through our Better Lives, Safer Communities programme to tackle the issue.

"The programme has helped rebuild community spirit and bring people together through a range of projects, including the launch of our Empowering People in Communities pilots in Walker, Elswick and West Denton which involves residents shaping action plans to help their neighbourhoods to flourish.

"I am delighted the new graffiti removal team is improving the look and feel of areas across the city, supporting the fantastic work our teams do to keep our city clean.

"We want Newcastle to be an attractive, vibrant city where everyone feels safe and families and businesses can thrive – and this is what the programme is all about."

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