Newport & Carisbrooke Community Council (NCCC) is starting a new project alongside the Isle of Wight Council and Vectis Wombles to tackle littering.
It launches next week with a litter pick at Downside Recreation Ground at Furrlongs in Newport on Tuesday April 11 during half-term.
As one of the most used parks on the Island, Downside is severely affected by litter despite the efforts of local families who regularly litter pick.
Cllr Geoff Brodie, NCCC Councillor for Pan and Barton, said:
"No matter how many bins the Community Council provide at Downside Rec and elsewhere, litter is a real problem.
"This litter pick is an opportunity for us all of us to show we care about living in a clean, safe and tidy environment.
"It's the Easter school holidays as well, so let's get out there on the 11th and make a difference. Don't let the litter bugs win!"
Education and Enforcement
The Isle of Wight Council Environment Officers will be visiting schools and issuing £75 on the spot fines to anyone caught littering.
Working with Vectis Wombles
There is a team of Islandwide volunteers who litter pick in their own time called Vectis Wombles.
As part of the project, to show appreciation for the group’s work, NCCC has provided 6ft pickers to allow safer picking from brambles, easy to hold hoops, children’s ‘Graptor’ pickers and hi-vis vests for the group to use.
Impact on Wildlife
As well as ruining the aesthetic of the area, litter also adversely affects nature.
Carol Flux from Gift to Nature said:
“We have eight sites in the Newport area, with the ones nearest the town the worst affected by litter.
"Small animals can get trapped and entangled in plastic packing and caught in discarded cans and bottles.
"Discarded gum is another problem, once it sticks to an animal’s fur.
"Our two Rangers do a fantastic job looking after our 31 Island sites, but the more time they have to spend clearing litter, the less they have available for improving the sites for wildlife and people.”
NCCC will be arranging further litter picks and anyone wishing to join Vectis Wombles can do so on their Facebook page.
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