District declares war on winter rubbish (From Witney Gazette)

District declares war on winter rubbish

2:48pm Monday 5th February 2007 in Witney By Tim Hughes

SPRING cleaning has started early in West Oxfordshire - with the launch of a month-long litter blitz on roadside rubbish.

Six workers from West Oxfordshire District Council's 'street scene' team are trawling roadsides along the district's main arterial routes to clear away debris, which has accumulated over the winter.

In the first nine days following the start of the campaign, on January 23, the team picked up three tonnes of litter - including larger items left at roadsides by fly-tippers, such as old tyres and wheels, and even a washing machine.

Collected items are put into grey sacks and stacked neatly into piles at locations along the roadsides, ready to be picked up by the council's street cleansing truck.

Over the course of the 26 day-blitz, workers are targeting 100 miles of roadsides and verges. As the team are on foot, drivers are being urged to keep an eye open for them, and take extra care when passing or overtaking.

Bob Lightfoot, West Oxfordshire District Council's environmental operations manager, said: "The clear up is being carried out in preparation for the council to start grass cutting in the spring. At this time of year, grass verges tend to die back, leaving litter exposed and creating an unsightly view.

"As well as helping to improve the environment, the blitz also cuts the risk of large items getting caught up in and damaging grass cutting equipment."

David Harvey, the council's cabinet member for environment, said: "The amount of rubbish and debris already collected by the team is staggering, and once again illustrates the problem of litter and fly-tipping in our communities, which is simply unacceptable.

"The team is doing a great job at clearing up this mess for the benefit of us all, and, in particular, the environment.

"I really hope this makes people think twice before they drop rubbish - and to report anyone they see fly-tipping."

Over the past two years, the district council has picked up an average of 1,350 tonnes of litter per year from streets and roadsides.

To report a problem with dumped rubbish in West Oxfordshire, you can fill out an online 'litter problem' form via the council's website, www.westoxon.gov.uk.

* Fly-tipping can also be reported online at the same address, or by contacting the council's 'street scene' team, on 01993 861020.

If you want to report a litter blackspot just click here.