A NEW graffiti squad aimed at cleaning up a town will be launched today.

Gateshead Borough Council's latest weapon in the war against graffiti is a vehicle equipped with some of the latest and most environment-friendly anti-graffiti technology available.

The new squad is the result of a partnership between Gateshead council and Northumbria Probation, with the council providing the hardware, and cleaning work carried out by offenders on community service.

The cleaning system uses non-toxic constituents which are normally found in milk and oranges. These break down the PVC which bind the paint, allowing it to be simply washed off. The process of washing then neutralises the chemicals and renders them completely harmless, which means the system can be safely used with minimal training.

Coun Gordon Spring, cabinet member with responsible for the protection of the environment,said: "Graffiti is one of those problems which, although relatively minor, can cause local people a great deal of distress.

"This new anti graffiti squad should make a positive impact on the local environment.