Pouches could end butt problem in Ballymena

BALLYMENA Town Centre Development Ltd have teamed up with JTI to raise awareness of the unsightly mess left by cigarette litter on our streets.
By The Newsroom
Published 14th Jun 2011, 10:22 BST

In order to raise awareness of this problem, JTI have supplied re-useable, pocket sized cigarette disposal pouches that can be used by smokers to deposit their cigarette ends safely, without the need to throw them on the ground. JTI have supplied these for free.

William Alexander, Chairman of the Ballymena Town Centre Development Company Safer Cleaner and Attractive Sub-Group, said: “This is an excellent way of highlighting the problem in the Town Centre and it provides a practical solution for smokers, who will have no excuses for throwing their cigarette butts on the street.”

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

William also pointed out that “Smokers discarding their cigarette butts face a fine of £50 if issued with a Fixed Penalty Ticket by the Ballymena Borough Council Litter Wardens”.

Robert Bisaillon, JTI’s Manufacturing Area Lead said: “JTI takes this issue very seriously. We support campaigns designed to create a culture amongst smokers which encourages them to dispose their cigarette butts responsibly. I applaud Ballymena Town Centre Development for this initiative and we are delighted to be able to support them.”

The cigarette pouches will be distributed to tobacconists and licensed trade over the next few weeks and if any other businesses wish to avail of the pouches, they can do so by contacting Trevor Parker, Ballymena Retailers Against Crime Dev Manager, on 02825646050, or for areas outside Ballymena Town Centre contact Chris Wales, Ballymena Borough Chamber of Trade and Industry on 07876758797.