AN Internet site has been launched on graffiti hotspots in Brighton and Hove - and even advises people where they can buy paint.
The Tatty Seaside Town website carries pictures of the more artistic graffiti to be found in the town and insists it is not out to encourage any illegal activity.
But there are concerns that it might incite youngsters to take up the practice.
Under the heading Hall of Fame Guide, the site catalogues places to visit and includes lists of the more prolific tags, or graffiti signatures, to be found.
It says some of the country's best graffiti writers could once be found at The Level in Brighton and adds: "Now you won't find much, except that the TFW boys, and Petro in particular, have been putting up productions on the back of the skate ramps, so it's worth a look if you are passing."
Illegal
Tarnerland in
Sussex Street has a designated graffiti area but most other sites listed are illegal.
Coun Pat Hawkes, who has been campaigning against graffiti, admitted some designs were artistic.
But she said most were a blight on the town and she was concerned the site was providing helpful hints to youngsters who might daub walls and buildings.
She said a solution to graffiti had to be found, perhaps by providing more designated areas to save the town from random attacks.
Two suspected graffiti artists were arrested in London Road just before Christmas but police admit the town still has a serious problem. Sgt Bill Whitehead, of Brighton police, warned those encouraged by the website: "Stick to designated areas or you face arrest."
Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.
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