WE applaud the idea of using problem youngsters in a scheme to brighten up Bolton.

Andy Hogh, a graffiti artist, has already taken workshops in graffiti for teenagers as part of the Westhoughton WASTED scheme, which deals with disaffected youngsters in danger of social exclusion or become involved with drugs.

He has contacted the council to see if they would be interested in brightening up subways, shabby walkways and bridges.

We sound a note of caution about this. Today's art can often be tomorrow's eyesore.

Care should be taken about where this graffiti is used and if local people object they should be heeded.