Incidents of graffiti in Wandsworth have dropped following the introduction of the council's zero tolerance policy.

Last year, specialist contractors had to clear away 62,000 square metres of graffiti compared with 93,000 square metres in 2006.

And, 94 per cent of the time, the housing department met its target to remove racist, offensive or obscene types of graffiti within 24 hours and other forms within three days.

Now, following a new tendering exercise, the total cost for clearing graffiti in 2008 is set to fall to around £317,000 - a saving of around £72,000.

Cabinet member for housing, Martin Johnson, said: "We will be running the same service to the same high standards - the difference is it won't cost tenants, leaseholders and council tax payers so much.

"As little as two years ago we were having to spend around £500,000 a year on this service."

He added: "We are not complacent, but it does seem that the council's message is getting through. We are saying to the vandal, no matter how often you mess up our borough, we will come back and clean it up - and if we catch you, we will take you to court."

To report graffiti call 020 8871 7049 or email graffiti@wandsworth.gov.uk.