Bristol’s Bearpit graffitied just days after re-opening

The graffiti in Bristol's Bearpit. Credit: ITV News West Country

Graffiti has appeared in Bristol’s Bearpit less than 48 hours after it reopened following a month-long closure to clean up the space.

The notorious city centre site, which is officially called St James Barton roundabout, was closed to the public on June 19 to allow Bristol City Council to evict squatters and remove graffiti.

The authority said it could no longer ignore “escalating” public safety concerns, investing £250,000 in fencing, 24-hour security and a clean-up crew to remove unauthorised structures and containers.

The Bearpit was closed for a month while it was cleaned up. Credit: ITV News West Country

But since reopening on Friday, July 26, the space has already been covered in graffiti and tagging.

One of the tags, painted in bright red paint, asked: “Why even bother?”

The graffiti has appeared on the walls of the underpasses, which link Broadmead, Stokes Croft and Marlborough Street.

The Bearpit is officially called St James Barton roundabout. Credit: ITV News West Country

Bristol City Council and Avon and Somerset Police have said they are committed to taking robust action against anyone committing anti-social behaviour.

The council has said that steps have been taken, such as installing 24 hour CCTV, to ensure that anyone committing these offences can be caught and prosecuted.