Campaign call for all to keep our streets clean

Date published: 20/10/2006

In its continuing battle against litter, Rochdale Council is launching a new campaign to make people aware that dropping litter anywhere in the borough is not acceptable.

The campaign includes posters, adverts, new street signs and a new livery for the fleet of refuse collection vehicles.

Portfolio Holder for Environment amp; Sustainability, Councillor Wera Hobhouse said: "Everyone needs to be aware that disposing of litter inappropriately is unacceptable. It is anti-social, unpleasant and encourages vermin. Littering is also illegal and those who throw, drop or leave litter in any place, can be fined or face a court prosecution."

Councillor Hobhouse added: "We are issuing £75 fixed penalties for dropping litter regularly. In cases that have gone to court, these fines together with court costs have exceeded £1800. Dropping litter can be an expensive business."

During the campaign, extra litter wardens will be out in public spaces across the borough.

The telephone number to contact with regards to Environmental Management is 0845 226 1800. Help us to help you make this Borough Cleaner, Safer and Greener.

The most prevalent litter is smoking related (79% of all sites) sweets, crisps and chocolate wrappers (67% of all sites) and drinks related (65% of all sites)

Nationally it costs around £370 million a year to remove litter from our streets, waterways and open spaces and a further £5 million to remove shopping trolleys dumped in rivers and ponds.