Graffiti removal underway

WORK has begun on removing a graffiti tag from Henley Bridge.

Contractors used a hot water pressure washer to remove the black and white “H” graffiti tag, which has been there for more than two years.

It had been due to take place in October but was postponed by Oxfordshire County Council, the highways authority, because of high river levels. Work on the bridge also included vegetation removal.

Repairs to the stonework on the arches of the bridge are scheduled for between mid-April and mid-June.

Mayor Rory Hunt said: “I am delighted it has been removed; it has been an eyesore on the most iconic structure in our town for far too long.

“This vandal has cost the taxpayer tens of thousands of pounds in officer time and specialist equipment.”

Councillor Stefan Gawrysiak, Henley’s county councillor said: “I am extremely pleased that it has been done, it has been a long process trying to get the permission.

“It has always been my view that the removal of the graffiti is an expensive operation and we should pursue the graffiti person.”

A full piece will appear in next Friday's Henley Standard.