A FURIOUS district council chief has slammed litter louts across Evesham who are to blame for fly-tipping and excess rubbish on the town’s streets.
Speaking after the latest litter pick by the Evesham Town Plan anti-litter group, Coun Gerry O’Donnell lashed out at those responsible for the state of some of Evesham’s streets and particularly those who had dumped waste at a number of locations, mainly around the back of shops close to Waterside.
A total of 14 volunteers joined the latest effort and collected an impressive 25 bags of litter.
Pickers scoured the area around Port Street and Coun O’Donnell said volunteers discovered an ‘upsetting’ amount of litter including large amounts of beer cans and plastic bottles.
Cigarette butts proved to be a further hinderance as they’re hard to pick up, leading to their regular appearance on the streets.
A significant amount of fly-tipped materials were also been found on a couple of locations and Coun O’Donnell warned the problem could become severe as they often lead to rodent and insect infestations which will in turn damage the health of those in the area.
“It’s awful to see the way people treat our beautiful town. It may only be a small minority causing the issue but it negatively affects the larger population,” he said.
“The only way to put a stop to the problem is by encouraging a change in behaviour. For example, smokers need to realise the cigarette ends, packets and cellophane is litter, just like cans and plastic bottles, as there is a mindset it isn’t.”
The Evesham Anti-Litter Group is currently working with Wychavon District Council to focus on gaining support from local landowners, endeavouring to spread the positive anti-litter message.
Coun O’Donnell said: “Thank you to all of those who joined them last weekend. As a group we’d like to offer thanks to those, who despite not being able to attend a litter pick, have been conducting their own picks.”
Residents who would like to join the fight to Keep Evesham Tidy can join the next event next Saturday (July 21) which is being held as part of #LoveParks week.
E-mail Coun Gerry O’Donnell on [email protected] for more information.
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