Graffiti plea to stores.

Shopkeepers have been urged to help stamp out graffiti.

Huddersfield retailers are being reminded that they face hefty fines if they sell aerosol spray paints to anyone under 16.

The warning from West Yorkshire Trading Standards comes as part of a crackdown on anti- social behaviour.

Graffiti is a big problem in many West Yorkshire's districts, including Kirklees.

Officials say it creates a "rundown" atmosphere.

Also further anti- social behaviour and crime - such as noise, litter, fly-posting and vandalism - stems from it.

New powers in the Government's Anti- Social Behaviour Act mean retailers face a fine of up to pounds 2,500 if they are found guilty of selling these products to anyone under 16.

Martin Wood, West Yorkshire's chief trading standards officer, said: "Most reputable retailers of aerosol spray paints will support the ban on sales to under-16s and not try to flout the new rules .

"However, the service - along with each of the district's major councils - believes that anti-social behaviour must be tackled.

"We will use court action, if necessary, to ensure the rules are adhered to," added Mr Wood.

Clr Gerry Harper, chairman of the West Yorkshire Trading Standards committee, said: "We will not hesitate to prosecute the unscrupulous retailer who is prepared to put profit before the environment we live in."