YOUNG offenders are ‘paying’ for their crime by cleaning up graffiti.

Every week, they blast high pressure sprays on walls, subways and pavements daubed with offensive and racist signs and messages.

Halton Council is now asking local residents to report any grot spots vandalised with graffiti so they can be transformed.

Sean Creaney, a youth offending officer from Halton Youth Offending Team, said: “The graffiti removal project has been incredibly successful as it is clear that young offenders are taking responsibility for their actions, repairing the harm and making the community a better place to live.

“Victims of crime have reported feeling highly satisfied after opting for young offenders to remove graffiti.”

The idea originally came from a councillor after the budget for commercial graffiti removal was cut.

Young people who are at risk of engaging in criminal activity also remove graffiti as part of the Community Space Challenge programme.

Mr Creaney said the scheme is a great way to build rapport, prevent crime and shows victims that vandals are making amends for their anti-social behaviour.

Sean and his colleague, Steve Cheetham, spoke to councillors, officers and local residents about the Restorative Justice project and showed them a DVD of the work.

Residents can report graffiti to their local councillor or local area forum.