Europe's 'dirty man'
Do you, like me, find driving around Bristol and the surrounding areas deeply depressing, on account of the prevalence of paper and plastic litter on the grassy roadside verges?
One might think that clearing litter up would be a core local authority responsibility.
Having travelled extensively around Europe for many years, I've never encountered a comparable problem with roadside litter. Might this explain why our continental neighbours often describe us as the dirty man of Europe? If other countries can maintain their surroundings for everyone's pleasure, why can't we? Surely possible, with the huge expansion in public service staff we've seen over the past 10 years.
As a well-known cook and football fan said a few years ago, let's be having you, local authorities.
And while I'm at it, what about an end to people throwing their litter out of their cars, and as they walk around, or are out for the evening?
Colin Anderson, Henleaze.
3 Comments
by John, Redland
Thursday, April 01 2010, 2:52PM
“I agree with Vic, I believe Its an awareness thing with the public, If they were all aware of the consequences of dropping litter, "education again" & had some pride in their surroundings it would not happen. There is no need to drop litter at all. It should be like drinking & driving, a anti social thing & a heavy fine imposed on those convicted. I have seen the school kids from Redland Green School smoking in large groups outside the school & drinking from cans. They throw the butts on the ground with the cans & walk away with no concern of the mess they make. There is a litter bin within site too. Litter is a British disease & as already said, rarely happens abroad.”
by Roger Roger, Bristol
Thursday, March 18 2010, 3:26PM
“What is more depressing is the onslaught of out-of-town shopping centres and the levels of traffic this brings.”
by Vic, Bristol
Wednesday, March 17 2010, 12:48PM
“No, you've got the responsibilities in the wrong order. Don't chastise the councils for not picking up the rubbish, as the prime responsibility lies with those who dropped it. If it wasn't dropped in public then it wouldn't have to be cleared up.
Anecdotally, I challenged a driver whose child in a rear seat I had seen throw a plastic bottle out of the window. She was unconcerned and couldn't see the problem. I reported the incident, including vehicle details, to the local authority (South Glos Council) and received no thanks or even acknowledgement. Now I don't bother. Cause and effect.”