Further success for litter campaign - 05/03/07

 

A Spar store in Barry has become the latest business to benefit from working with the Vale of Glamorgan Council on a high profile litter initiative.

 

Launched last October, the initiative involves the Council placing signs outside business premises to remind customers that dropping litter, including cigarette ends and chewing gum, is a criminal offence that carries a £75 fine. Enforcement Officers also carry out regular patrols.

 

The area outside the Spar store on Barry Road has historically had problems with litter, but within weeks of the sign being installed staff noticed a significant reduction in litter being dropped there.

 

Store Manager Rob Gough said: “Since working with the Council’s Enforcement Team we have seen major improvements outside the store and I’m sure this will continue.”

 

Other businesses in Barry that have seen major reductions in litter since joining the initiative are; McDonalds, Waitrose, Marks & Spencer, KFC, and the College Inn.

 

The Council’s Senior Enforcement Officer Denny White puts the success down to working closely with individual sites. She said: “With this campaign we can target specific problem areas and so far we have seen major improvements at every site where the signs have been installed.”

 

Cllr Rob Curtis, cabinet member for Visible Services, is pleased with the campaign's success. He explained: “Since we launched this initiative many shops have come on board and together we are helping to raise awareness that dropping litter is not only anti-social but also carries a financial penalty of £75. We would ask residents to support this initiative as money wasted on clearing litter could be put to far better use improving services.”

 

For advice on responsible waste disposal please contact Visible Services on 029 2067 3000, or e-mail visible@valeofglamorgan.gov.uk.