12.5 tonnes in just 26 days (From Witney Gazette)

12.5 tonnes in just 26 days

3:11pm Monday 26th March 2007 in Witney By Tim Hughes

MORE than 12.5 tonnes of litter has been handpicked from verges and roadsides across West Oxfordshire in just 26 days.

The rubbish, which included two washing machines, a fridge, and dumped car doors, seats, and glass, was collected during a litter blitz by West Oxfordshire District Council.

Six workers from the council trawled 98 miles of roadsides on foot, picking up 12,620 tonnes of junk - equivalent to almost half-a-tonne every day. Enough litter was collected to more than fill a large refuse collection truck.

As well as the litter, more than 20 shredded lorry tyres and old bicycle wheels were cleared away.

The clear-up, which ended earlier this month, was carried out in preparation for the council to start grass cutting. As well as helping to improve the environment, the blitz has also cut the risk of large items getting caught up in and damaging grass cutting equipment.

David Harvey, the council's cabinet member for the environment, said: "This has been an extremely worthwhile exercise, and it just goes to show how much of a problem litter can cause.

"It is beyond belief that people think they can just dump items such as washing machines and refrigerators, which can pollute the environment, at our roadsides. This is totally unacceptable, and I would like to remind people that fly-tippers face prosecution. I hope people will be surprised by the amount of litter that was collected, and do their bit to help raise awareness and urge others not to do it."

* Anyone who spots a problem with fly-tipping can fill out online litter problem or fly-tipping forms, on the council's website www.westoxon.gov.uk/ environment/Streetcleansing.cfm Alternatively, they can call the council's 'street scene' team, on 01993 861020.