A problem with “horrific” graffiti has triggered a debate amongst Jesmond Vale residents, with opinions divided over what many see as unsightly defacement of walls and buildings, while others support the right of wannabe “Banksys” to decorate the area.

After receiving complaints about the impact graffiti was making, JesmondLocal visited the area around the Blue Bell pub. Some residents appreciate the artistic value of well crafted graffiti. However, many residents described the “scribbles” and “initials” on the walls as unsightly for the area.

Local resident Becky Pearce, who has lived in Jesmond Vale for 43 years, believes the council must do more to remove and prevent the “horrific” graffiti in the area.

She said: “Jesmond Vale used to be really well looked after but over the years, it’s obviously declined with student population. The graffiti is horrific, we live in such a beautiful place.

“The council should have a no tolerance policy and remove it straight away. I don’t feel as though the council do enough… they aren’t even bothered. I definitely think it’ll get worse.

“I’ve reported it, and I know a few members of the Jesmond and Sandyford Facebook community have too.”

Another resident who spoke to JesmondLocal and asked not be named, also dismissed the idea that the graffiti adds to the look of the area. “I don’t think it improves the area at all when it is just scribblings, random slogans and initials on the walls,” he said.

However, a council spokesperson told JesmondLocal that the council hadn’t received any official complaints about graffiti in the area. The council explained the protocols for removing graffiti, saying: “Our concern is that if residents aren’t reporting the graffiti, we’re not going to clean it if we don’t know its there.”

The spokesperson added: “If any council resident sees graffiti they can go onto the [Newcastle City Council] website and call the local services and we will book the graffiti removal for them.”

The council also explained that their first concern is removing “priority graffiti” which is the immediate removal of graffiti containing vulgar language or racist language.

To arrange city council graffiti removal, phone 0191 2787878 and ask for ‘Your Local Services’.