Graffiti is the scourge of Brighton and Hove's streets.

In a city which prides itself on its reputation as a tourist magnet, the unsightly scrawl adorning the walls of its shops and cafes must be eradicated.

It gives the impression of an uncared for, unclean and unsafe city. This is surely not the image Brighton and Hove should broadcast to the world.

News that a cleaning blitz by the city council brought levels to a three-year low is welcome.

It goes to show what a huge difference a concerted effort between traders and the council can make.

The clean-up may have cost £30,000 but how much income from tourism will the city lose if spray paint-daubed buildings are left to languish?

Graffiti will never be wiped out completely but everybody has a responsibility to get rid of it whenever it appears.