Shropshire village "drowning” in litter
A picturesque Shropshire village near The Wrekin would have “drowned” in litter deposited by irresponsible people over the years if it were not for residents who regularly litter pick the area.
Large bin bags full of drink cans, bottles, takeaway trays and sweet wrappers are gathered up from roadside verges around Little Wenlock, New Works and Coalmoor by concerned villagers each month.
Individual residents who carry out the voluntary litter picks are appealing for more litter bins and road signs to encourage people to take their litter home or deposit it properly.
Residents attending the annual parish meeting at Little Wenlock Village Hall said that fishermen were probably responsible for dumping the remnants of their lunches in ditches.
While one motorist is believed to be behind the dumping of lager cans daily from a vehicle driving in and out of the area for the past 25 years, they said.
Picknickers and people passing through the villages and hamlets drop their rubbish out of car windows as they drive by, say residents.
Parish Council chairman Pat Hutchings, said: “If it wasn’t for these residents volunteering to pick up all this rubbish deposited by irresponsible people then this area would have drowned in litter years ago.”
Mrs Hutchings and other residents are members of The Wombles litter picking group which clear up The Wrekin landmark and car park every year.
“Last year we were waiting at the car park at the foot of The Wrekin after picking up many bags of rubbish when one motorist just threw out litter from his car window as he drove out.
“People must learn that this is extremely anti social behaviour and damages our beautiful Shropshire countryside,” added Mrs Hutchings.
