WALLS in Worcester could be designated to give youngsters the chance to expand their artistic talents through graffiti, without defacing the city.

Councillor Derek Prodger has called for youths to contact him to see whether special areas could be developed for such creative talents.

The portfolio holder for community services at the city council said he wanted youngsters to expand their artistic skills without causing damage to property.

The comments came after 18-year-old Ian Rogers told Droitwich magistrates he was ashamed of spraying graffiti across the city.

Rogers, of Woodgate Green, Knighton-on-Teme, near Tenbury Wells, admitted more than 30 counts of criminal damage.

He was fined £650 and given a two-year conditional discharge for his offences.

During last Friday's hearing, magistrates were told by defending solicitor Ann Brain that her client's interest in youth culture had led to his spate of graffiti, something Coun Prodger said needed to be addressed.

"There's no doubt there's some artistic talent which could be expressed properly," he said.

"We should be looking to accommodate this new culture, but not in a way which damages Worcester's beautiful buildings.

"We could see if we could find private inconspicuous walls where they can practise."

The Bedwardine councillor toured city businesses at the beginning of the year for a "fighting fund" against the growing problem. The initiative raised £1,000 and an extra £2,000 was given by Worcester City Council and Worcestershire County Council towards an anti-graffiti team to scrub buildings and streets.

But Coun Prodger, who said Rogers had been "very mature" for apologising in court, added it was up to other youths to approach the council.

"I'd like to call on them to contact the council to see if an area could be found for them to use," he added.

"It would be good to think that there would be somewhere for youths where they could express their art. But, it must not be offensive and it has to be for artistic development," explained Coun Prodger.