This year’s Graffiti Removal Day will be held across the state on Sunday and council has organised clean-ups at various sites around the region.

The mayor of Maitland, Cr Peter Blackmore, said graffiti was a serious problem that cost council $150,000 a year in removal and repair costs.

“It is important that we do our best to remove and prevent graffiti by participating in initiatives like Graffiti Removal Day,” he said.

Graffiti removal will take place at Woodberry Oval, the retaining wall at Heritage Holden in Maitland, Rutherford shopping centre, Telarah train station storage shed, Rutherford drainage reserve in Melbee Street and the New England Highway underpass at Ledsam Street, Maitland.

Visit www.maitland.nsw.gov.au/ResidentsCommunity/graffiti-removal-day-2014 for more information.

Meanwhile, council’s draft Graffiti Management Plan is on public exhibition until November 16.

Council’s infrastructure, projects and building services manager Graeme Matthews said the plan was a strategic approach to reduce and prevent incidents of graffiti.

“It also acknowledges the current work being undertaken by council and volunteer agencies, including Rotary, to address vandalism concerns and to improve the appearance and presentation of the city and foster a sense of community pride,” he said.

The plan can be viewed online at maitlandyour

say.com.au or hard copies are available at council’s administration building and libraries.