Liiter collectors deserve our praise

LOCAL groups who organise collections of litter deserve, praise, acccording to Coleraine councillors.

The issue of litter was raised at last Tuesday’s Policy and Development meeting, with many councillors venting their concerns about rural areas of the borough.

“I have never seen the countryside so bad,” said SDLP councillor John Dallat.

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“A huge chunk of our rates bill goes on dealing with the issue of litter. This should be a goal for Council. Many community groups are organising litter picks and they should be praised for this.”

DUP councillor Adrian McQuillan agreed, saying: “Our communities are getting wise and organising these litter picks, but I think that takeaways should be encouraged to reduce their wrappers. Litter bugs would think twice if they had to pick up litter for a few hours.”

Councillor Christine Alexander said it was a ‘crying shame’ that community groups had to go out and organise litter picks. “We need to be doing more to fine those who drop litter,” she suggested.

DUP councillor Timothy Deans told the meeting that urban areas of the borough were just as bad as the rural areas.

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“We have bins every 50 yards yet, if you go into town early in the morning, before the litter wardens have been out, you can see the mess.

“Our Technical Services staff do a wonderful job.”

David Jackson, Head of Performance, Policy and Governance, said he would bring the issue back to the Leisure and Environment meeting for further discussion.