Liberal Democrat Council Cracks Down on Sale of Graffiti Sprays

12.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Fri 17th Sep 2004

Milton Keynes' Liberal Democrat Council has been quick to use new national legislation to catch traders who sell spray paint to under-16s.

Council trading standards officers are working with child volunteers to see if traders will flout the ban on selling spray paints to under-16s.

Making it more difficult for under-16s to get hold of spray paints is one of several Council initiatives aimed at cracking down on graffiti in the city. Traders caught selling paint to them may face action under Section 54 of the Anti-Social Behaviour Act 2003. Two traders have already been caught selling spray paint to under-16s.

"This initiative will be welcomed by the residents of Milton Keynes, as it will hinder the vandals getting hold of the materials they use to spoil our environment," said Councillor Douglas McCall, Cabinet member for the Environment. "Preventing access to spray paints is easier and cheaper than clearing up the mess that vandals make with them."

Trading standards officers already enforce legislation relating to the sale of age-restricted products such as cigarettes, alcohol, fireworks, butane lighter refills, knives, videos and DVDs.

If you have information about traders breaking the law on spray paint sales, or illegal sales of other products to under-age children, please phone Milton Keynes Council Trading Standards on 01908 252628. Your calls will be treated in confidence.