Vandals who spray paint council property will not see their work on display for long, thanks to a £ 12,000 investment by Swindon Council's waste management department in a diesel powered high pressure steam cleaning machine.

And, for the first time, the council is going to offer a graffiti removal service to private householders and other service organisations like the electricity companies.

Geoff Davies from waste management said graffiti remover Ray Mills, will be able to tackle vandalism much more effectively. "Until now Ray has had to use chemicals and a scrubbing brush. The paint will still need chemical treatment, but the steam cleaning jet will quickly strip off graffiti."

He said the council is only responsible for keeping its own property clean, but waste management can now take on private jobs. "Graffiti vandalism is often too small for an insurance claim, but too big for DIY; or the resident might not be able to tackle the problem. We are now in position to offer a graffiti removal service."

To arrange a quote, call Waste Management on 466077 or e-mail