Morrisons 'off its trolley' over street mess

Abandoned Morrisons trolleys strewn across streets around the superstore’s Rochdale branch

Rochdale MP Simon Danczuk has slammed supermarket giant Morrisons for failing to clean up its own mess, arguing the retail chain must be “off its trolley”.

A concerned Mr Danczuk wrote to chief executive David Potts about the number of abandoned Morrisons trolleys strewn across streets around the superstore’s Rochdale branch.

In response, Morrisons claimed it was a “sad reflection of society” that some customers failed to return the trolleys after use.

A spokesperson added the company is “liaising directly” with Rochdale Borough Council to come up with a solution to the issue.

Mr Danczuk said: “Morrisons must be off their trolley if they think Rochdale Council has the time or the resources to clean their mess up for them.

“In a short five minute drive, I spotted half a dozen trolleys littering the neighbouring streets, public car parks and front gardens.

“The trolleys are an eyesore and are being used for fly-tipping in the constituency.”

In 2014, Morrisons scrapped the £1 deposit for trolleys at all its stores in the UK.

Mr Danczuk said: “With the introduction of the 5p plastic bag charge, some customers will be tempted to take their trolley away with them before dumping it.

“Morrisons needs to get serious and take responsibility for the upkeep of the local area rather than passing the buck to the council.

“I would urge the company to rethink its decision to scrap the £1 deposit for trolleys.”

In response to the MPs criticism, Morrisons has said it will increase the number of patrols in the local area and look into deterrents to stop trolleys being taken off site.