Bradford could be in line for its first legal graffiti wall - to encourage young people to draw creatively.

The move follows a petition signed by 300 youngsters asking for a wall where they could express themselves through art.

Currently graffiti is classed as criminal damage and magistrates can impose fines of up to £5,000 and send offenders to prison for up to six months.

But now the Council's Youth Service has suggested a legal graffiti wall for a six-month trial and widescale consultation with residents who would be affected.

The Council's environment scrutiny committee, which was considering the petition tonight, was being told by officers the major targets for graffiti are Telewest boxes and bus shelters.

The officers say the main types of graffiti in the district are:

l Protest graffiti which includes racist inflammatory remarks;

lGeneral graffiti by children or teenagers at bus shelters, playgrounds and areas where young people meet. Materials used include marker pens and occasionally spray paint and the graffiti returns very quickly after removal;

l Tag graffiti - well organised, territorial marking with spray paint usually carried out by people aged 14 to 28.

Richard Wixey, director of Environmental Protection and Waste, said: "The petition has merit. But there are arguments that legal walls could also act as a practice area to commit illegal graffiti in other areas."

He says the walls should not be regarded as a short-term project and it is vital the idea receives long term management.

Members were being told the cost to remove graffiti is about £150,000 a year, using four operators, two vehicles and supervisors.

Mr Wixey will tell members it would cost between £1,000 and £2,000 to introduce a legal system.

He said: "Graffiti represents an environmental eyesore and damages communities and is a constant blight.

"The adoption of legal graffiti walls could ensure that the problem is minimised, providing a better environment for all citizens of Bradford."

The petition was organised by 19-year-old Ruth Ozolins of Idle, who will start a B-Tech Foundation Course in Art in September.

She has said she believes a wall could help the city to win the European Capital of Culture bid.

Today Ruth's mother, Councillor Ann Ozolins, said: "I think it is an absolutely brilliant idea and a very good opportunity to make a commitment to young people.

"But I fully agree that there should be criteria and sensible management."