There has been an increase in littering in Epsom and Ewell as lockdown measures brought in to slow the spread of Covid-19 coronavirus have been eased.
That’s according to Epsom and Ewell Borough Council (EEBC) who published a statement of the apparent spike in littering in the area on Tuesday (June9).
Images of piles of trash on Epsom Common and Horton Park were distributed alongside the council statement to highlight the evidence they have found in recent days in some of the borough’s most scenic sites.
A spokesperson for EEBC described the increase in rubbish being left in outdoor spaces including parks and nature reserves as “huge” as the council appealed to residents to help them get a grip of the situation in the famously leafy borough.
“We have all appreciated the outdoor spaces during the lockdown and our teams are working as hard as they can to keep the borough clean,” Councillor Barry Nash, Chair of the Community and Wellbeing Committee, said.
“We ask everyone to enjoy the green spaces safely and to take their litter home at the end of the day. Animals can die from litter and we all have a responsibility to look after the planet and protect wildlife,” he added, suggesting that it was only “a very small minority” who were responsible for the uptick in littering.
Following new government advice that permits up to six people to meet outside if they stay physically distant amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, EEBC published advice on how volunteers can organize litter picks to help keep the borough green and safe for flora and fauna.
EEBC said it would provide returnable litter picking kits for residents. “This includes gloves, high visibility waistcoats and a litter picking device (subject to availability)” a spokesperson said.
“We are grateful to the members of our community who are volunteering to help keep our fantastic green spaces safe and clean for everyone,” Cllr Nash said.
Those interested in volunteering for litter picks can get support and information on the EEBC website.
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