Litter louts targeted

A fresh campaign aimed at reducing littering across the County is being backed by Blaby District Council.

The authority is joining others across Leicestershire in promoting a two-week awareness-raising initiative.

Dropping litter, including from a vehicle, is an offence and can incur a fine. It is also unsightly and potentially harmful to the environment and wildlife.

Some of the most common items discarded include cigarette butts, drinks bottles, sweet and crisp packets and chewing gum – all of which can easily be put in a bin or taken home to dispose of.

According to Keep Britain Tidy, around two million pieces of litter are dropped in the UK every day. It costs taxpayers more than a billion pounds a year for street cleaning.

Under the Environmental Protection Act 1990 the Council can issue a fixed penalty of £150 for littering and, if convicted in court, offenders could face a fine of up to £2,500. The Council will be increasing its fines from next April.

Residents are urged to remember they can report anyone they see dropping litter to the Council: www.blaby.gov.uk/littering.

Councillor Les Phillimore, Blaby District Council Portfolio Holder for Environmental Services, said: "We welcome this awareness campaign and hope residents take on board the key messages. We work hard to combat littering, helping keep our District a clean and tidy place to live, work and visit. Littering is unpleasant and unnecessary. It just takes a moment for people to think responsibly and make a conscious decision not to simply drop their rubbish but to find a bin or take it home.

"Everyone can do their bit, from remembering not to drop litter in the first place, to reporting offences or even taking part in litter picks. We have some wonderful groups locally who carry out proactive ‘Womble’ litter-picks and we want to thank them for their efforts. Hopefully this campaign will result in less littering, a bonus for everyone in the District as every penny spent by us clearing up litter is a penny paid for by our local Council Tax payers."