A POWERFUL weapon is helping to blitz unsightly graffiti across east Durham.

Easington District Council, along with Easington Colliery and Horden Pathfinder Project, has invested £150,000 in a Graffiti Action Van. It is being used three days a week in the Pathfinder areas and two days throughout the rest of the area.

The van is equipped with high-pressure pumps which can blast water at temperatures up to 100 degrees centigrade at graffiti-daubed walls.

The high temperature means that on recently-applied paint, no chemicals are needed, an environmentally-friendly solution.

On older graffiti, where the paint has been absorbed into the brickwork, cleaning may still require the use of chemicals.

George Patterson, the council's executive member for the environment, said: "There is a growing concern in the community about the problem of graffiti.

"This partnership approach will allow us to tackle the problem and deal with any reports within 24 hours.''

George Lavery, Pathfinder board member, said: "This is a great idea that will certainly improve our communities.

"I joined the Pathfinder to help improve services and, with the Graffiti Action Van, we've managed to get some of the most modern and effective equipment anywhere in the country onto our village streets.''