A community is fighting back against the scourge of graffiti in their town.

Vandalism has been reported as a problem in Faversham for years, and now a determined group has turned their attention to a particularly dire eyesore at the Wastewater Station on Westbrook Walk.

A mural now has been commissioned for the building, which is covered in unappealing tags.

Cllr Rob Crayford, who is spearheading the community project, said: “The building is set on a lovely nature walk along Westbrook Stream, but it is often covered in graffiti which makes it look horrible.

“Residents say it’s an eyesore that attracts further antisocial behaviour and needs to be cleaned up.

“The thinking is that if we put a mural on it people will be less likely to deface it again.”

After consulting residents, a small group of local politicians, community leaders and do-gooders commissioned the piece.

The project will be funded by Southern Water - who own the building - and is expected to cost between £3,000 to £3,500 for supplies and payment for the artists.

Anna Stonor is a member of the Friends of the Westbrook & Stonebridge Pond – a volunteer group that meets monthly to remove litter from the stream and work to improve habitats for biodiversity.

But for all their work to maintain the area, Ms Stonor says the vandalism ruins the atmosphere.

“The existing graffiti on the wastewater pumping station is a blight and a distraction from the lovely streamside walk,” said Ms Stonor.

“Last year, the Royal Horticultural Society visited the stream – they were very impressed with the work we are doing, but not by the graffiti which they described as an ‘enormous detraction from the peace and tranquillity of the streamside walk’.

Grafitti has long been seen as a blight on the town. Earlier this month, a pensioner who lives in the area spoke to KentOnline about her experience of having the word “Rapist” scrawled across her house’s exterior wall, in Court Street.

“We’re currently putting the feelers out to select a local artist or group of artists, and we’re also reaching out to schools in the area to see if there are any budding artists who would like to help,” continued Cllr Crayford.

“We think since the building is on a nature trail the mural could maybe be something to do with nature, trees or animals to make it blend into the walk, but we are also open to other ideas.

“We’re hoping this strategy can be a model , to engage with community and businesses, replicated across the town to solve the graffiti problem without putting a drain on public funds.”

An artist for the project is expected to be selected next February, with the painting to be done by April.