SPRAY paint doesn't damage concrete - and that's the problem for Redditch councillors.
For county council workmen, who used to clean rude words from the town's subways, have now been taken off the job.
The reason - graffiti "has no detrimental effect upon the structure".
And under the control of the Pollution Act, taking writing off the wall is a Redditch Borough Council responsibility.
Now Hereford-Worcester and borough council chiefs are to discuss sharing the job between them.
Acting chief technical officer for Redditch, Mr Brian Close, said: "There are about 80 subways in Redditch.
"Quite apart from the cost of cleaning them there is the problem that if we start cleaning property which doesn't belong to us - and the subways belong to the county - we may be taking on a massive responsibility for all buildings.
"Obviously we want to discuss these difficulties before we take on the job."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article