LIBERAL Democrats are calling for a crackdown on graffiti. Birmingham Yardley MP John Hemming is seeking action over spray-painted slogans on walls and doorways.

He has won cross-party support from Labour and Conservative MPs to ensure that those responsible clear up the mess themselves.

These messages could be implemented in the Government’s Policing and Crime Bill or in a new policy to be introduced by Mr Hemming.

His ideas follow studies at the University of Groningen, in Holland, which show that people are more likely to ignore their environment if it is already messy. It is felt that those who make the mess should be compelled to clean it up.

Mr Hemming has sponsored a motion that says that those caught making a mess should receive penalty notices and if they deny involvement they can be prosecuted.

Jacquie Bell, Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Spokeswoman, Stockton South.