Graffiti gang aids the view

The view from the train in West Auckland has been improved by a Department of Corrections graffiti cleanup task force.

Since July, youths ordered by the courts to complete reparation sentences for offences including tagging have removed rubbish and graffiti and helped landscape 3km of railway line.

"They have kept the Henderson rail corridor 99 per cent clean over the past 10 months," said Derek Battersby, a Waitakere City Council member and Tag Out Trust chairman.

"They have beautified an area that often bears the brunt of the spraycan and rail commuters are appreciating the difference."

Results of the cleanup trial have encouraged the Ministry of Justice to grant the council $8000 towards keeping it going. The work is done on Sundays by a supervised group of 12, who have to complete 100 hours' community work.

Mr Battersby said it was an example of co-operation by Corrections, the council's Safe Waitakere, KiwiRail and the Auckland Regional Graffiti Free team. Paint manufacturer Resene has provided recycled paint and equipment and had sponsored artwork for junction boxes.