A PORTISHEAD businessman has stepped forward to help clean up the latest wave of graffiti in the town.

Bud Mott, who runs Clean and Seal South West, decided to offer his services for free after reading about the plight of Portishead in Bloom in the Times.

The voluntary group works hard to keep Portishead looking its best for the South West in Bloom competition each year. In addition to keeping the town decked in floral displays, the rules include keeping litter and graffiti at bay.

Mr Mott said: “As I specialise in cleaning and surface restoration and am community-minded I was very happy to offer my services to help clean up the town.”

Levels of graffiti have increased in Portishead in recent months and members of Portishead in Bloom have been compiling a list for North Somerset Council of the worst areas that have been hit, in hope of a clean-up operation.

Graffiti has been widespread throughout the winter months and has appeared on bus shelters, substations, telephone exchange boxes and shops. The latest attacks took place on the walls of homes in the Vale and at Port Marine.

Sandy Tebbutt, chairman of Portishead in Bloom says the group is delighted to accept Mr Mott’s offer.

She said: “The graffiti problem in Portishead has escalated lately and includes sites on the route the judges for the South West in Bloom competition take.

“It’s a shame that a few vandals can ruin the appearance of our town and put our chances of winning the annual contest at risk, we can’t thank Mr Mott enough for his kind offer to help us.”

Portishead police say they are determined to catch those responsible for the continued graffiti in the town. Sergeant Jim Robinson said: “The police intend to take positive action when the offenders of graffiti are caught.”

Anyone with information relating to graffiti vandalism should contact the local police using the new 101 number.