PIC: Victoria Park, Good Friday…”Please respect our parks”
Litterbugs have left rubbish scattered across Halton’s prize winning parks as warmer weather returned this week
In the five days between Monday 29 March to Thursday 1 April, Park Workers spent in excess of 28 additional working hours clearing up Victoria Park alone – time which could have been spent on other priorities.
Spike Island in West Bank also received additional daily visits by Council teams in the same period in order to keep the site clear of litter.
The Council wants people to enjoy parks and Open Spaces that officers have worked hard to maintain throughout the pandemic.
A minority are ruining our treasured parks, and staff are worried the problem could get worse with the easing of coronavirus restrictions and the Easter Bank Holiday ahead.
Halton Parks Manager, Paul Boardman said there was no excuse for dropping litter.
He said: ” Groups of up to six can now meet outdoors in line with Government guidance. We are encouraging visitors to take their rubbish home if bins are full; littering is after all a criminal offence.
“Please be respectful of our staff, they are trying to ensure our parks continue to meet our award winning standards, whilst our open spaces are experiencing extremely high demand.
“We have always thought of our parks as jewels in Halton’s crown. And the public agrees. Thanks to all the council staff and the many volunteers who help make the parks such attractive destinations.
“Let’s not have all that good work undone by a mindless minority.”
Frontline Parks Workers have played a key part in the Council’s response to the Covid-19 crisis.
These have endeavoured to keep our parks and open spaces safe, clean, and tidy at a time when people are staying local and appreciating the value of places on their doorstep.
For more information on Halton’s parks: https://www3.halton.gov.uk/Pages/libraries/parks.aspx