Graffiti and litter problems
Graffiti and litter are forms of anti-social behaviour that we confront on virtually a daily basis. the Chislehurst Society, in partnership with several key organisations with interests in Chislehurst and the wider area, is determined to minimise the effects of this behaviour on our lives and to keep Chislehurst a place where we are proud to live.
If you are interested in the Society's work in this area and feel that you would like to help, please read on:
One of the key objectives of the Chislehurst Safer Neighbourhood Team (CSNT) is the reduction and, ultimately, the elimination of anti-social behaviour within the ward of Chislehurst.
One way in which this behaviour manifests itself is through the wanton and gratuitous daubing of graffiti on both public and private property, and the careless and indiscriminate dropping of litter in our streets and open spaces.
Since 2002 the Chislehurst Society has organised volunteers who, with the invaluable support of the London Borough of Bromley (LBB), the CSNT and the Trustees of the Commons, have worked tirelessly to ensure that graffiti and litter are removed as quickly as possible after they appear.
Since July 2007 the Society has also held a number of clean-up mornings where volunteers, supplied with the necessary equipment, collect litter and clear graffiti from areas in and around the High Street, including the Commons.
Much more remains to be done. The Graffiti Co-ordinator at the LBB is working increasingly with local schools to educate children on why this behaviour is anti-social and the impact it has on the local community. The CSNT is ensuring that young offenders who perpetrate this crime get a taste of what it's like to clean up after their own mess.
Over the past 5 years there has been a reduction of almost 50% in the number of local volunteers. Given the size of the area covered - from Elmstead Lane in north, to Marlings Park Avenue in the south, Perry Street in the East and both Summer Hill and Old Hill in the west - the partnership of residents, council and police does a very good job.
The Society is always on the lookout for more volunteers. We appreciate that the demands upon a everyone's time are many and varied. However, if you want to ensure that the ward of Chislehurst doesn't slowly but surely take on the appearance of a worn out inner-city borough, with the psychological impact this would have on our community, as well as the negative impact it would have on property prices, then we need your help now.
Whether you can devote 10 minutes or 10 hours a month, your help will be invaluable.