Graffiti is one of the scourges of our modern times. It is hard to find an accessible surface in urban areas which is not adorned with the artwork of those who see every blank space as a challenge. In fact it often appears, too, on surfaces which to many people would seem inaccessible, such as the walls alongside busy railway lines like the ones which lead into Bradford.

That phenomenon is not confined to this part of the world. There seems to be a widespread desire on the part of graffiti-creators to paint surfaces which face on to railway lines, often at obvious risk to themselves. Even those who have travelled by the prestigious TGV high-speed trains in France will have found the walls near many stations along the route colourfully spray-painted.

There are, though, different types of graffiti. The mural being painted on the gable end of a terrace house in Shipley is officially approved - though admittedly it has not found favour with everyone living in the area.

Even some of the graffiti which appears without approval in other places could be argued to have some artistic merit. However, the graffiti which greets travellers who arrive at Bradford by train contains obscenities designed to cause offence.

That obviously will do no good at all to the district's bid to become Capital of Culture. To be welcomed by this sort of graffiti does not create a good impression of Bradford. Let's hope that now Railtrack have been made fully aware of local feelings the offending graffiti is removed and measures are taken to prevent it reappearing.