SHOP owners in Bath Place in Taunton are celebrating after Taunton Deane Council said it will be cleaning the graffiti in the tunnels leading to the arcade.

They called on the authority to clean the graffiti up.

Keri Lloyd, chair of the Bath Place Trading Association, said the businesses were in a “catch 22” as it was unclear as to who had responsiblity to clean them up.

The owner of Imagine, Design and Create said: “We’ve been having a real problem with graffiti recently.

“I’ve had shop owners coming to me saying it’s really affecting their business.

“Some of the graffiti’s quite rude and understandably it’s putting people coming off here.

“It's fantastic news that the Council is going to be cleaning it up and that it is supporting us."

Taunton Deane Borough Council has been making urgent enquiries to find out who owns the property so that action could be taken to clean up the paint.

Although it is still unclear as to who owns the property, the Council said it was 'vital' to keep the town centre attractive and is sending workers in to do the job. 

Council leader, Cllr John Williams, said: “We decided to take action now as Bath Place is such a Taunton treasure. It is sheer vandalism to despoil the town in this way.

“While strictly not our responsibility, we felt it was the right thing to do to roll up our sleeves and get on with the work. We know traders need our support and we will do all that we can within reason to help.

“I hope whoever is responsible is ashamed and that people will support our efforts in keeping Taunton looking its best.

"We all have a responsibility not to drop litter, not let dogs foul footways and to report antisocial behaviour such as this latest incident. It simply cannot be tolerated.”

People can report graffiti and other incidents online at www.tauntondeane.gov.uk