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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Pavement chalk - AIBU?

197 replies

HubbabubbaT · 08/04/2020 12:45

I saw a lovely thing online about a sensory walk pavement trail for kids - hop like a bunny here, spin here, follow the dots, touch your toes, smile - that sort of thing ... Thought it would be a lovely idea to do outside our house for all the kids going for walks with their parents .. cheer the kids up a bit. Happened to mention to neighbour over the fence before I started... He said oh isn't that vandalism of the council's property??? Hmm - AIBU or would it be nice thing to do? I tried googling it but there doesn't seem to be any clear cut law against it as far as I can see..?? Just don't want to draw it all out and then have to wash it straight off if it's illegal! Just to confirm I tried the chalks on the patio and they wash straight off..

OP posts:
Thread gallery
6
ParkheadParadise · 08/04/2020 13:26

I loved doing that when we were kids.

Our street is full of pavement chalk, it's a quiet cul-de-sac.

Buster72 · 08/04/2020 13:27

It is technically criminal damage.

But case law says that if it is easily washed away then no action should arise.

Original poster
HubbabubbaT · 08/04/2020 13:28

Perhaps I could do it on the very start of our driveway instead? Just don't want parents to think it's on private property and stop their children from playing on it!
Was just hoping to put a smile on people's faces is all Smile

OP posts:
Coldilox · 08/04/2020 13:31

We’ve drawn a hopscotch on the pavement outside our house. Yet to see anybody not have a go if they are walking past, including adults.

Esspee · 08/04/2020 13:31

Some little darling has chalked rainbows on the pavement in front of my home. It has rained several times and it hasn’t washed off.
If I see this happening again I’ll march the kid home and insist the parent comes and washes the bloody pavement. It’s vandalism and shouldn’t be tolerated.

FrancisCrawford · 08/04/2020 13:32

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Astrabees · 08/04/2020 13:33

I think the chalking is OK but is being outside to do it in the spirit of the cv regulations and guidance? it would be a nice thing to do but not sure if you can.

midlifecrash · 08/04/2020 13:33

Before all this started, a pavement artist used to regularly produce chalk paintings on the high road pavements. Everyone admired them and no-one thought it was vandalism. Now I come to think of it he was just across the road from the police station

steppemum · 08/04/2020 13:34

except you are not really going to a walk if you are stopping and drawing on the pavement as you go. How is that different from stopping to sunbathe in the park?

you are supposed to do it in front of your own property! Most of the kids are drawing on their driveways or pavements in front of their home here, it's nice, and everybody still stay safe.

I have no problem with chalk at any time.
I have no problem in lockdown with chalk on your front drive etc, there is a lot round us.

I do have a problem with the OP suggesting they make a trail for kids to follow, which suggests chalking all along the pavement, when you are supposed ot be staying at home

Lindy2 · 08/04/2020 13:35

We've been doing chalk stencils on the pavement outside our house for a couple of weeks now. It looks good and people have commented about how nice it is.

Our senior policeman neighbour doesn't seem to have any problems with it.

After a few rain showers it will all wash away.

Original poster
HubbabubbaT · 08/04/2020 13:36

Would this be ok (I won't even be stepping off my property that way for those of you who don't want me to GrinGrin )?

Pavement chalk - AIBU?
OP posts:
Original poster
HubbabubbaT · 08/04/2020 13:37

... And yes any excuse to get the gel pens out !

Pavement chalk - AIBU?
OP posts:
LittleCandle · 08/04/2020 13:38

I have no issue with chalking the pavement. Some people really don't have anything else to occupy their minds and I feel sorry for them.

Original poster
HubbabubbaT · 08/04/2020 13:38

Sorry, downloaded twice!

OP posts:
Averyyounggrandmaofsix · 08/04/2020 13:38

I can't believe people think rainbows and hopscotch is vandalism! Very Bouquet!
I did however come on to mention the lady chalking distance marks outside her shop.
That said I thought the policemen was mocked and accused of being high handed The police here don't come out for robberies so the odds of them coming out over chalk is unimaginable!

MamaBearOnLockdown · 08/04/2020 13:43

If I see this happening again I’ll march the kid home and insist the parent comes and washes the bloody pavement. It’s vandalism and shouldn’t be tolerated.

GrinGrinGrin

I love MN.

Bubbinsmakesthree · 08/04/2020 13:44

Lovely idea - I think at the moment anything that brings a bit of joy is to be welcomed.

2020vision10 · 08/04/2020 13:44

Is your neighbour on drugs?

sleepingpup · 08/04/2020 13:45

Some little darling has chalked rainbows on the pavement in front of my home. It has rained several times and it hasn’t washed off.
If I see this happening again I’ll march the kid home and insist the parent comes and washes the bloody pavement. It’s vandalism and shouldn’t be tolerated.

crying😂😂🤣😂

2020vision10 · 08/04/2020 13:47

"If I see this happening again I’ll march the kid home and insist the parent comes and washes the bloody pavement. It’s vandalism and shouldn’t be tolerated."

Funniest rubbish I've read today. Hope when you're marching that child home that you are staying 2 metres apart. Also brace yourself to be laughed at, that's what I would do if someone said it was vandalism.

Some unhinged miserable feckers.

ethelredonagoodday · 08/04/2020 13:50

I work for the council highways service in our area. From my experience, I think that they wouldn't give a shiny shite to be honest about some chalk paintings on the footway, as they will wash away!!! What a miserable git your neighbour is... 🙄

nellythenarwhal · 08/04/2020 13:51

Our local police social media has photographs and compliments when houses have chalk decorations outside

recklessruby · 08/04/2020 13:52

Maybe we have the same neighbour? Our grumpy git was on his phone in the garden yesterday moaning about kids playing (in their own gardens!)
I cant see any harm in your idea. We all need things to cheer us up just now.
We always drew hopscotch on the pavement on our council estate as kids and played out (1970s).

Mummyoflittledragon · 08/04/2020 13:53

MamaBear
Me too!! Grin

Your neighbour is a grouch op. I think it’s best to do that if it’s just on your property. Your neighbour may grass you up otherwise..

Washyourhandsyoufilthyanimal · 08/04/2020 13:54

Who has said YABU? Bloody hell!! What killjoys.