Shop Owner Hits Out At Graffiti ‘Nuisance’ As Concerns Grow In Nettlestone And Seaview

The owner of a convenience store in Nettlestone has spoken out after graffiti appeared outside his business, as concerns mount over a recent spate of tagging in the area.

The issue was discussed at a meeting of Nettlestone and Seaview Parish Council on Monday evening, where councillors debated how to tackle anti-social behaviour before it becomes a bigger problem.

Attention focused on graffiti sprayed near Vic’s Nisa Local at Nettlestone Green, with councillor Stuart Marlton urging efforts to get the marking removed as quickly as possible.

Parish clerk Brian Jennings told the meeting there had been a recent "spate of graffiti" across the parish, although he stressed it was not currently a major issue.

Councillor Patricia Redpath warned that while the problem may be limited now, it could escalate if left unchecked.

One resident, Philip Redpath, suggested creating a designated wall where people could legally graffiti, arguing it was a "natural instinct" for some people to fill empty spaces.

"You never know, you might get a new Banksy," he joked.

However, councillor David Adams was unconvinced, saying those responsible would simply move elsewhere if given a dedicated space.

Speaking after the meeting, Vic's Nisa Local owner Pranay Patel described the graffiti as an unwanted and costly nuisance.

"I believe it's a holidaymaker who's come over during the Easter period," he said.

"We've experienced it on the mainland where they've graffitied a wall or window, we've got it cleaned and tidied, and two weeks later they've come back and done it again.

"It's an unwanted expense for any business. No one wants to see graffiti on their walls."

Mr Patel said he was looking at ways to remove the tag but admitted preventing future incidents was far more difficult.

While welcoming any support from the parish or Isle of Wight Council, he acknowledged there were challenges in dealing with graffiti given limited resources and the likelihood of repeat offences.

He pointed to a scheme run by Portsmouth City Council, where affected businesses received help removing graffiti for the first incident.

Despite efforts to tackle the issue, Mr Patel fears it may only be a matter of time before the problem returns.

"I reckon in six months it'll be tagged again, either by the same people or someone else," he said.