Thanet District Council has spent more than £134,000 in the last six years cleaning graffiti off of public property.

That's an average of £22,000 a year, which the council say could have been better spent on other public services for residents.

This does not include the cost of clearing it off private property, where the owner is responsible.

It costs the council more than £200 a square metre per piece to clear-up, either by removing or painting over it.

Thanet council is now appealing to residents and traders to help track down those deliberately causing thousands of pounds worth of damage and vandalism in the area.

Rob Kenyon, Director of Community Services and responsible for the regeneration and development of the district, said: "So much is currently being done to regenerate this area.

"It’s an exciting time to be in Thanet, with an 84% increase in creative sector business, tourism at 10 times the national average and named by the Daily Telegraph as one of the best places to live in in the UK.

"Regrettably we still need to waste resources repairing the damage caused by a mindless few who seemingly don’t care.

“We know these people are spray painting brazenly, often in broad daylight. Someone out there knows who is responsible for this criminal damage.

"They will see the same tags at their home address, on their belongings and they will probably post and talk on social media to try and gain notoriety and status for the damage they have caused.

“If you care about where we live, the way that our built environment and open spaces look, and if you are sick of seeing graffiti-ridden car parks and public places, then please help the council to identify these offenders.

“If you know who is responsible please say something and don’t be complicit in these offences. We want to prosecute those guilty of damaging property in Thanet, recover clean up and repair costs and take a stand to show that this is not acceptable and will not be tolerated.’’.

The council remain open to working on street art projects with local artists, where permission has been given and there has been careful consideration into the look and impact it would have.

If you have information on graffiti or for general advice, contact Thanet District Council’s Community Safety Team direct on 01843 577903 or email community.safety@thanet.gov.uk