Council urges public to play their part in combatting litter

Horsham District Council is asking local motorists and residents to help it reduce levels of littering on the District’s roadsides, particularly in key problem areas.

The Council currently faces an ongoing battle with litter being strewn on the roadside across the Horsham District with a key problem area being the A264 between Southwater and Horsham.

The appearance of litter on roadsides is a blight on our environment and its clearance comes at a considerable cost to local taxpayers. It also puts our waste collection crews at risk every time they have to clear the litter on these high-speed roads.

The Council is asking that if road users or members of the public spot offenders dropping litter, they should report incidents online. They will also be able to supply the Council with Dash Cam footage where possible.

Additionally, people can help to keep local streets and green spaces litter free by signing up for our Adopt a Street scheme which already has hundreds of volunteers across the Horsham District who are passionate about protecting the environment on their doorstep. Volunteers choose the area they want to adopt, and we will provide all the equipment they need to help with litter picking.

For more information or to join up please visit the Adopt a street webpage.

Equipment will be provided to use in areas which are assessed as being safe for pedestrians. Volunteers are asked not to litter pick on any unsafe, high-speed roads.

Commenting on the situation, Horsham District Council Director of Communities Paul Anderson said:

We are on a mission to clean up our District and we are asking everyone to play their part in helping to keep our roads clean and tidy.

Littering is a crime which not only causes a terrible eyesore for people, but damages the environment and leaves local tax- payers out of pocket, which is not acceptable.

So our message is, if you see it, report it, and even better sign up to help us combat littering in your area.

Having the power to take enforcement action, the Council can issue Fixed Penalty Notices or prosecute offenders dependent upon the severity of the offence, which could entail fines of up to £2,500 plus a criminal record.