Tagging on the towpath

Published: 26 August, 2010

• IT was a disgrace that the property developers sprayed their “tag” along the Regent’s Canal towpath as you reported (Muppets creator’s flats in graffiti row, August 19). 

We still see far too much graffiti, but the Londonewcastle Developers sprayed their tag along the canal dozens of times, and it is a conservation area. 

They even sprayed their tag onto the three Grade II-listed bridges, as shown in the photograph.

It is incredible that Londonewcastle should make the excuse that their corporate “tagging” on the towpath is OK as it is innovative. 

There is nothing ground-breaking or unusual about spray-painting tags all over the Regent’s Canal.

The local youth have been doing it for years.

Londonewcastle also make out that the graffiti did not matter as it would wash off in a couple of weeks.  

So, according to a property developer, it is acceptable to break the law as long as it is temporary. 

Does it confirm that a property developer’s morality is at a very low level, and so is their sense of responsibility?  The comments by the Londonewcastle marketing manager in the New Journal sound very arrogant.

As Londonewcastle Developers have admitted their offence, I would like to see the matter taken further.

Their action not only breaches the Highways Act it contravenes environmental law and, more seriously, the heritage legislation for defacing a listed structure.

The dreaded taggers and graffiti sprayers that vandalise our neighbourhood are charged with criminal damage and are prosecuted when caught, and rightly so.

The property developers Londonewcastle should also face the same penalties and should be shown no leniency.

DEL BRENNER
Regent’s Network and a member of the London Waterways Commission