GRAFFITI writers could be given legal sites in a move to stop them scrawling on railway buildings.

Network Rail, the successor to Railtrack, which is responsible for track and infrastructure, is clearing up unsightly lineside scrawl on Tyneside.

It has repainted a footbridge at Felling, Gateshead, and introduced better lighting in a bid to deter the vandals.

The firm, part of the Newcastle and Gateshead Graffiti Forum, says it spends £247,000 a year tackling graffiti in the North-East - money that could be spent upgrading track.

Now the two bodies are looking at the possibility of setting up legalised sponsored graffiti sites that well-known graffiti artists would be invited to decorate.

The company says it is concerned that graffiti artists risk death or serious injury when they spray paint walls and buildings near lines.

Its regional director Richard Fenny said: "We recognise that the visual impact of our infrastructure is important for both passengers and lineside neighbours.

"In the past, we have had to restrict graffiti clearance to material that was considered racist or obscene.

"However, following increased funding availability this year, we have been able to expand this remit to encompass graffiti of any nature."

The firm is also urging people to report graffiti vandals confidentially on British Transport Police's 24-hour free hotline, 0800 40 50 40.