York council and Virgin Media team up to tackle vandalised broadband cabinets

In the first deal of its kind, Virgin Media O2 has partnered with City of York Council to clean-up vandalised broadband cabinets.

Virgin and council teams will work together to repaint cabinets hit by graffiti.

Throughout the six-month trial, the organisations will restore cabinets across the city, where up to 200 are vandalised every year.

Cllr Paula Widdowson, the council’s executive member for environment and climate change, said: “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.”

Paul Edwards, director of field engineering & operations at Virgin Media O2, said: “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.”