It is the first deal of its kind Virgin Media O2 has done with a local authority to help tackle the issue. Throughout the six-month trial, the organisations will work together to restore cabinets across the city, where up to 200 cabinets are vandalised every year.
Cllr Paula Widdowson, executive member for environment and climate change, City of York Council, said, “We are really pleased to be able to join forces with Virgin Media O2. To be part of the first deal of its kind with them is important to us and it places us at the very forefront of tackling vandalism and graffiti.
“Graffiti is criminal damage and a selfish act which spoils the local environment for residents and visitors alike. We hope this sends a clear message that we will not tolerate this type of vandalism. Following the trial, we hope to roll this partnership out further and are already in constructive talks with several other companies.”
Paul Edwards, director of field engineering and operations, Virgin Media O2, added, “Through this innovative trial with City of York Council, we hope to make it faster and easier to remove graffiti from our on-street cabinets. Damage to our cabinets and equipment can cause customers to lose the vital services they rely on, so we’re committed to tackling this problem and keeping our customers connected.”
To kickstart the scheme, damaged cabinets are being repainted and new cabinet stickers will be applied, making it easier than ever for local people to report damaged or vandalised cabinets.