Litter pickers scheme aims to tackle rubbish

A scheme has been launched to encourage people, specifically children, to get into the habit of picking up litter rather than dropping it.

At least 20 premises in Stroud have become official Litter Champion Hubs, offering litter pickers and rubbish bags for customers and passers-by to use.

Gill Thomas, Green councillor and litter champion at Stroud District Council said feedback so far had been "really good".

It will cost about £1,200 and is being funded from a £12,000 council budget assigned to litter-picking projects.

The litter stations will be in libraries, schools, community hubs and shops, and include signage directing users to the nearest bin.

Ms Thomas said the council spends more than £770,000 a year clearing up rubbish and removing fly-tipped waste.

"I notice it a lot when I'm cycling along the main roads, along the verges," she said, adding she feels the issue is getting worse.

"It's really important to make young people - children, in particular - aware. A lot of them are, they're doing great stuff in schools," she said.

"But it's just trying to reverse the habits that are developing.

"Picking up litter isn't the solution to the problem, but it does enable people to take positive action."

The scheme was launched last week to coincide with the Great British Spring Clean, which runs until 6 April.

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