in vandalism and graffiti near their homes.

Members of the Flatts Development Committee last night also called on schools to take steps to ensure pupils did not deface the area once they had left the buildings to go home.

Chairman of the group Toppy Cowen said the "destruction'' caused by the vandals had led to such concern among people living in the Flatts area, that they felt they should take on the battle themselves.

They have agreed to put up a $500 reward out of committee funds, but have had another $500 offered from an anonymous donor living in the area.

But the group has also suggested schools bring in security teams to see that children get home without vandalising public property.

At the very least, they said, older pupils could take on the task of monitoring the younger ones. Their action follows months of concern over growing vandalism on the Island.

Only last Tuesday, The Royal Gazette published a photograph of Flatts Bridge, which was covered in graffiti.

Mr. Cowen said: "I think it's about time someone did something about the graffiti that seems to be in abundance on the Island.

"Anti-social behaviour, as demonstrated frequently by litter-bugs on our roads, indicates we are not persuading or convincing enough people about the importance of cleanliness.

"Floral route signs that were installed by Keep Bermuda Beautiful on our by-ways years ago are now undistinguishable.

"Bus shelters are being vandalised, concrete garbage containers destroyed and our beaches are filthy, when in fact, the only thing that should be left behind are foot prints.'' He said the reward was being offered for the arrest and conviction of the people responsible for the vandalism, but the group has also called on parents, teachers and peers to stress how destructive graffiti is to Bermuda.

And he said, although there was no evidence to suggest that schoolchildren were to blame, they could not be ruled out of the equation.

Mr. Cowen added: "While it is unfair to point a finger at our schoolchildren as a cause of the problem, we cannot discount the fact that unsupervised youths at bus stops are easily led astray.

"We recognise overworked teachers cannot be expected to oversee these areas, however, it is imperative that constant monitoring be incorporated until children arrive safely home.

Residents take on vandals "Security services should be considered or, at the very least, prefects designated to oversee bus lay-bys.

"Peer pressure in the right direction might by the answer.'' And he added: "Perhaps the lenient policies that presently exist require reviewing. During the meantime, we believe student guidance is the key ingredient in and out of school.

"We hope those that are looking for self-fulfillment do so in art class and do not express their frustration on Bermuda landmarks, like the Aquarium Bridge.'' Schools were unavailable for comment yesterday, but Scott Kitson, president of Keep Bermuda beautiful, said the solution to solving the problem had to be community based.

He added: "I have personally noticed more and more graffiti throughout the Island at bus shelters and walls.

"I think it's an horrendous problem in terms of the impact it has on the beauty of Bermuda.

"I would like to see schools and parents get involved to help combat the problem. It is a behavioural problem.

"I would also like to see the culprits go to court and the law deal with them strongly.''