The Tamworth Community Men’s Shed will soon be armed with all the tools it needs to ensure vandals have little time to reflect on their work.

Graffitists regard the huge reservoirs at Victoria Park as ideal canvasses for their mindless tags and even cut holes in the security fencing to gain access.

But Phillip Crossing from the Men’s Shed said the group will be equipped with the paint and other materials required to quickly cover up the grotesque designs.

“The Men’s Shed’s attitude is that if it’s removed straight away it will not encourage them to come back,” he said.

“The Men’s Shed is about community involvement and council’s been good to us and we want to throw a bit back into council.”

Councillor Helen Tickle is working to forge closer alliances between council and community groups to help reduce incidences of graffiti around the city.

“It’s not just about saving money, it’s about keeping the community we live in clean and aesthetically pleasing,” she said.

“We’re all very proud of our city and very determined to stamp out graffiti in the community.”

With graffiti removal costing the council – and by extension ratepayers – tens of thousands of dollars a year, any assistance from the community is vital.

Local contractor Programmed Maintenance Services regularly removes graffiti, such as some recently sprayed at Victoria Park, free of charge.

Any community group wishing to be involved should contact council on 6767 5555.