Why would anyone?
Since the beginning of lockdown, as I have discussed before, it’s been wonderful how many people have been enjoying our beautiful Bedfordshire countryside and our parks.
However, it has been very disappointing to see now much more litter and dog poo is being dumped across our parks and countryside, and increasingly some people are leaving their empty cups where they have been sitting rather than walking them the short distance to one of the many bins provided by the Council.
Now with the increasing use of PPE some people think that it is acceptable to throw it away in the street or in bushes for someone else to pick it up – which I know many residents are acting in a public service way and organising safe litter picks.
Not only that but there has also been an increase in fly tipping, not just in the countryside along tracks and in gateways, but also outside charities’ shops and charity collection banks, even when signs politely state that the shops are closed and kindly ask that donations not be left outside.
Why would anyone?
I’m sure you are as frustrated by this as I am. I know that it is the minority of people who are doing this but it is incredibly antisocial and potentially dangerous to leave what could be contaminated items out in the current circumstances.
The Borough bins collection team are working really hard to keep up service and I have been informed that there are approximately 1,300 litter, 622 dog and 59 dual recycling bins in varying condition across the Borough with a capital cost in the region of over £500,000, plus all the bins we have in our own homes.
There really is no excuse to leave litter for other people to pick up.
If the bin is full, litter can also be taken home. It is worth remembering that the Council is able to levy quite considerable fines for littering:
Littering, includes dropping cigarette butts, spitting and urinating – Environmental Protection Act 1990 (Section 87/88) Fine of £100 Discount for early payment £75 Maximum fine on conviction £2,500
PSPO – Dog Control Order – Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) Contrary to Section 59 Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 – Dog Control Order- Fine £75 no discount maximum fine on conviction £1,000
For further information please see the Council’s website:
https://www.bedford.gov.uk/environmental-issues/fixed-penalty-notices/
https://www.bedford.gov.uk/environmental-issues/fixed-penalty-notices/fixed-penalty-notices-faqs/
https://www.bedford.gov.uk/environmental-issues/animal-care-and-control/dog-control-orders/
We really do encourage everyone to be considerate in their actions and take care of our natural and public spaces.
Please also consider if the area that you’re visiting is already crowed such as the play parks, village greens and cycleways. Many villages have been experiencing antisocial parking by people visiting such sites, such that in one case a fire engine struggled to get to a fire due to inconsiderate parking.
Everyone is finding all the restrictions hard, but by continuing to think of others and look after each other it does make it all easier to bear.
by Cllr Phillippa Martin-Moran-Bryant
Great Barford Ward (comprising Cardington, Cople, Great Barford, Ravensden, Renhold -including Cranbourne Gardens, Willington and Woodlands Park -part of Brickhill Parish)
Email: Phillippa.MartinMoranBryant@Bedford.gov.uk
Tel: 07934 853 907