From Lesley Hampshire, Shanklin:

I agree with everything David Williams has to say (CP, 06-04-18), particularly making children aware of the litter problem and for local communities to take some responsibility.

People are quick to complain but often slow to act, so here are a few ideas that our Green Towns volunteers are trying to develop in Shanklin, apart from organised street and beach cleans:

  • Decide to keep your own street litter-free. Pick up as and when – with a neighbour if it’s a long street.
  • Help to make sure litter/dog bins in your area are emptied regularly by phoning Island Roads to report bins that are overflowing.
  • Do your bit on country/beach walks. Take rubber gloves and a bin liner with you. Every little helps.
  • Get a couple of friends to help clear a particularly bad spot. Alert Island Roads as to where you’ve left your bags (next to the nearest bin if possible) so they can collect them.

Doing any of the above gives you the feel-good factor. Sometimes others will join in and cleaned-up areas are less likely to attract more litter. If everyone picked up just one piece of litter a day what a difference it would make.