Witney street cleaners have a break (From Witney Gazette)

Witney street cleaners have a break

9:00am Wednesday 25th October 2006 in Witney By Ruth Keeling

STREET cleaners were due to be given a break today in a bid to show residents just how much litter is dropped in the streets.

West Oxfordshire District Council cancelled the usual morning sweep of Church Green, Buttercross and the High Street, in Witney, as part of its Anti-Litter campaign.

Instead, the streets will be cleaned at 3pm, and all the litter collected will be put on display in clear bags under the Clock Tower, at Waitrose, as part of tomorrow's Anti-Litter Day.

David Harvey, cabinet member for environment, said: "Every morning, our street cleaners work hard to rid the streets of litter. Much of the work happens before people go to work or start their day, so residents don't realise the extent of the problem. Our Street Scene team have not swept or picked up litter around Church Green, Buttercross, and along the High Street to Welch Way roundabout, in hope that people will spot the difference, and really think about this problem." The council has launched its anti-litter campaign in conjunction with Witney Town Council and the Witney Gazette.

It wants to persuade litter bugs to change their ways by reminding them that it costs thousands of pounds every year to clean up after them.

Witney mayor, Chrissie Curry, said: "Our slogan is Litter - its in your hands. Let's expand this to Litter - its in your hands, keep it there!"

"Our slogan is Litter — its in your hands. Let's expand this to Litter — its in your hands, keep it there!"

Witney mayor Chrissie Curry

As part of the campaign, the Witney Gazette has printed campaign posters, which will be available tomorrow in the Market Square, and which residents and traders have been asked to put on display.

Ms Curry also asked residents to challenge anyone they saw dropping litter.

She said: "Don't be afraid to ask litter-droppers to pick up their rubbish and put it in the nearest bin, or take it home. I am sick and tired of our lovely town being dirty and scruffy."

Tomorrow's awareness day will see events taking place between 10am and 2pm, including a street performance from the Rubbish Heads.

There will also be a council display at the clock tower, giving facts and information about litter, and organised street sweeps by groups from across the town.