Witney News - Anti-Litter Day makes an impact

Anti-Litter Day makes an impact

Shoppers and passers-by were intrigued to see piles of rubbish bags and street performers wearing costumes made of litter as the first Anti-Litter Day took place in West Oxfordshire.

The awareness event in Witney town centre on Thursday, October 26, was organised by West Oxfordshire District Council and Witney Town Council as part of a campaign to tackle litter problems.

One of the highlights was street performers, known as the 'Rubbish Heads', putting on comical shows throughout the town centre to get across the anti-litter message.

Volunteers from groups such as the Rotary Club of Witney and University of the Third Age helped with litter collections – and picked up ten sacks full of rubbish from the town centre's streets in only four hours.

Members of the District Council's Environmental Policy Team piled up the sacks under the Clock Tower, at Waitrose, Witney, and were on-hand to speak to members of the public.

Many passers-by gave details about areas in the town where litter is a problem. The Council is now working to target the problem locations. The vast majority of people supported the Campaign and praise was given to the street cleansing team.

Cllr David Harvey, Cabinet Member for Environment, said: "We are absolutely delighted with the way that working together with Witney Town Council has enabled us to raise the profile of this problem. It seems to have had an immediate impact in the centre of Witney and we hope it continues to persuade people to bin their rubbish."

Witney Mayor Chrissie Curry, who is helping to run the Campaign, said: "The day was a great success and it was a good opportunity to speak to people about their concerns over litter. It highlights the fact that there is a problem and it was good to see people getting involved. I would like to thank everyone who has helped.
"We will continue with the campaign so that the message really sinks in that dropping litter is totally unacceptable."