A CONTROVERSIAL proposed law could spell the end of graffiti misery.

At present there are no restrictions for selling paint products which can be misused as tools for graffiti, the consequences of which can be seen from time to time in the Wharfedale and Airedale areas.

But recent reports in the national press suggest new laws are under consideration to implement an over-18s only age limit on the sale of spray paint.

Councillor Phil Coyne, chairman of Otley Town Partnership, says: "I think it is an entirely sensible idea as there is a problem of graffiti in the area".

Although to some this may seem an issue that should be regulated, at present there are not any guidelines in place. By implementing new laws the Government would be likely to come up against some familiar problems such as those it experienced when regulating cigarette and glue sales to over-16s and alcohol to over-18s.

It is thought the Government's stumbling block may lie in its ability and manpower resources to enforce the new laws.

In order to show they are serious about ensuring only over-18s buy such products, they will have to urge shopkeepers to be extra vigilant and ensure spray canisters are only sold to those old enough.

Ilkley parish councillor Kate Brown welcomed the plans but said she was concerned that all younger teenagers would be affected by it.

Councillor Brown brought the problem of graffiti to the council's attention last March when Ilkley town centre beauty spot Mill Ghyll was vandalised by graffiti. Symbols and letters in mustard yellow and white were daubed on seats and rocks in the wooded ravine off Wells Road.

At the time a lot of the complaints were levelled at teenagers who were seen to cause a nuisance by hanging around the area. So does Coun Brown think the new measures will solve the problem?

"I think it's probably a good thing, but it's a shame a few ruin it for the rest," she said. "Graffiti is unacceptable and spoils the look of things. Any amount of damage is too much. Throughout Ilkley we like to think the town always looks its best.

"In general, people feel that it's younger people who do it, but in Ilkley in particular I don't know. I'd be surprised if some of the younger ages were out at that time."

Councillor Graham Latty (Con, Aireborough), also expressed some reservations. "I understand that people who live in areas where graffiti is a big problem must suffer greatly, but I don't believe the way to solve it is by putting an age restriction on it," he said.

Currently the legal age for leaving school in the UK is 16.

Inevitably, then, some people under the proposed age limit will require spray paints for apprenticeships and business such as painters, builders and mechanics, as well as for personal use.

And every under-18 year old who wishes to buy spray paint will not automatically spray graffiti on someone else's property.

This poses questions whether it will be a complete ban for under-18s, or exceptions will be made if paint is required for business use, provided some sort of identification is shown of their age and trade.

Coun Coyne suggested the possibility of showing proof that the paint will be used for business: "It may be found that letterheads or business cards should be provided if under-18s wish to buy it".

In many cases, particularly in a business environment, it is not feasible or possible for an adult to have to buy spray paint every time it is needed.

As Councillor Clive Fox (Con, Otley and Wharfedale) added: "I can see very few reasons why children under 18 years of age would have a need for spray paint.

"However I think it would be very difficult to regulate thereafter".

Graffiti is illegal but it is hoped that following the possible implementation of these laws, designated areas may be set up where people can go to paint in an approved area.

The proposals put forward by the Prime Minister included the setting up of murals in places plagued by graffiti to showcase some of the talent that goes into producing the work.

Coun Nigel Francis (Con, Otley and Wharfedale) said of graffiti: "It can be used as an art form if it is done in a specific area. If children aren't given a place to do it, property will be damaged".

Many people find graffiti unacceptable as it can often be found on sides of houses and other private property, at rail and bus stations and public play parks and buildings.

Coun Fox said: "Graffiti is just one part of the ongoing problem of vandalism that everyone is aware of, which takes a small amount of time to do, and a huge amount of time to clean up. It is totally inexcusable".

The Prime Minister proposed authorised graffiti walls be set up and run as ongoing-projects for artists to exhibit their work.

Coun Francis agreed: "At the moment 13 and 14 year olds can buy spray paint, and may cause damage to property if there's nowhere to do it semi-professionally and in a controlled space".

"I think the murals are a good idea, and if there's somewhere people are allowed do it, damage to property can hopefully be restricted".

Coun Fox added: "Anything that can be done to make graffiti less of a problem is very welcome and I would like to see the sale of spray paints restricted but it is going to be very difficult to regulate".

Coun Latty said he was not sure of the new plans. He said: "I feel failure in society is being treated in a negative way.

"Shopkeepers have so much to think about anyway, are they going to worry about whether a customer is over 18?"

He added, "I find it difficult to see this law being enforced in the long term".

In Addingham there have been a few isolated examples of graffiti, most notably on the public toilets at Sugar Hill.

But chairman of Addingham Parish Council Gordon Campbell said he did not think the change would make a particular difference.

However he did say he was concerned the level of graffiti might rise if a skatepark was built. "In other areas where they've built skateparks they have had a problem of graffiti afterwards because it's a part of that culture," he said.

But what about those who actually have to remove the graffiti? Bradford council countryside officer Richard Perham looks after Ilkley Moor, where there have been instances of graffiti on the Swastika Stone.

He said there was much less graffiti around now than when he first started in his job ten years ago. But he added that he was in favour of any measure that would reduce it further. "Anything that stops graffiti is a good thing," he said.

"But kids under 16 aren't allowed to smoke and some do. It would be nice to think that it would help, but the kids would find the paint from somewhere else.

"In lots of ways it's not as bad as it's been in the past. If you look at the Cow and Calf people carved their names on there last century so there's always been some somewhere or another."

Bradford council have a special graffiti unit, but because of the situation of the rocks it often cannot be used to treat the graffiti on them.

Mr Perham said: "The graffiti removal unit experiments with high pressure spray cans but when it's on rocks it doesn't work very well.

"We use masonry paint to paint over it but it's not that often we have to."