Telecoms giant gets message over graffiti in Sheffield

Roadside cabinets belonging to Openreach, which is responsible for Britain's largest phone and broadband network, have become a popular targets for spray can vandals around the city.

But the company agreed to paint over their unsightly work, in an effort to smarten up Sheffield's streets, following pressure from councillors and Sheffield Heeley MP Louise Haigh.

Openreach responded that it was arranging for those cabinets which had been targeted to be re-painted, but the Labour group said Virgin Media has yet to provide such a guarantee.

Councillor Ben Miskell said: "I am delighted that BT Openreach has dealt with this problem and that we were able to ensure this without needing to use formal legal action – which would have slowed down the process.

"Conversations are still ongoing with Virgin Media to ensure that they too take responsibility for any of their cabinets which are blighting our streets – and we will not be deterred in ensuring that they do so."

Responding to the group's complaints, Openreach said street furniture was a 'soft target' for graffiti vandals and although the company took action to clean up their handiwork, new tags would often appear soon after the old ones were covered up.

"We’re also really grateful to the politicians for taking the time to contact us, and everyone at Openreach shares their frustration with our equipment being damaged in this way.

"Anybody who would like to report damage to Openreach equipment can get in touch with us at openreach.co.uk"