Residents and visitors are being reminded that people in South Lanarkshire expect them to respect the surroundings and those who live here.

Anti-social behaviour, including graffiti, littering, vandalism traditionally increase during the summer months.

But the message from South Lanarkshire Council is clear – respect your surroundings and your neighbours, and it is important to report those who do not do the same.

Graffiti is unsightly and detracts from the overall appearance of an area and present the perception of a neglected neighbourhood, causing upset and offence to most people, but it can also lead to further acts of vandalism and anti-social behaviour.

Councillor Davie McLachlan, the chair of the council’s Housing and Technical Resources Committee, said: “During the better weather of the summer months, there is nothing better than getting outside and enjoying the area we live in, but that enjoyment can be spoilt by those who seek to disfigure their surroundings.

“It is a matter of showing consideration for our own neighbours and neighbourhoods, and having a bit of pride in ourselves. However, if someone has disfigured their surroundings with graffiti, it is important that anyone spotting it should report it to the council as soon as possible.

“The removal of graffiti can be extremely time-consuming and costly for the council, with thousands of pounds each year being spent on its removal, but it is important to remove it as soon as possible because the longer any graffiti remains in place, the more likely it is to encourage more graffiti.

“We will remove graffiti from all council-owned property, including buildings, street furniture and play equipment, for example, and can also remove it from private property although, in that case, a disclaimer does need to be signed prior to any work taking place.

“It is also worth bearing in mind that it is illegal – graffiti is an act of vandalism and, as such, offenders can be charged with a criminal offence under section 52, Criminal Law (Consolidation) (Scotland) Act 1995.

“However, the best solution is for it not to happen in the first place, so I really would urge anyone tempted to do it to think of others and let everyone enjoy their surroundings.”

The council aims to remove offensive graffiti, including any that is racist, sectarian or obscene in nature within 24 hours of being notified of it, and anyone wishing to report offensive graffiti can do so by calling the hotline on 0303 123 1020.

It is aimed to removed non-offensive graffiti within five working days and it can be reported online through the council website.