The Gloucestershire Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) has criticised a Cheltenham Borough councillor for “slinging arrows at the police” over a dispute regarding graffiti cleanup costs. This friction arose after Julian Tooke, the Liberal Democrat councillor for Pittville, proposed that a £70,000 bill for graffiti removal at a car park should be sent to the PCC.
The expenses included £54,000 for repairs at the Town Centre East car park in Grosvenor Terrace, with the remainder allocated for security measures. The police argue that addressing criminal damage is not solely their responsibility.
Councillor Tooke expressed frustration, stating, “We spend our lives cleaning up graffiti and dealing with tagging. This is a cost we don’t have control over, and it’s something quite frightening.” He also highlighted the disparity in tax distribution, noting, “The Police and Crime Commissioner takes 14% of the council tax, whereas we take 7%.”
For more information check here.
