AN anti-litter campaign in Warrington town centre has seen on-the-spot fines drop by more than 80 per cent.
Warrington Borough Council says its recent town centre campaign showed a marked improvement compared with an equivalent campaign last year.
During August the council publicised through local media the impending anti-littering drive, issuing a firm warning that anyone who carelessly dropped cigarette butts or other litter could face an on-the-spot fine of £50. 
Cllr David Keane, (pictured right) the council’s executive board member for environment, said the campaign had been highly successful.
He said: “Last year in the equivalent fortnight our team issued 58 fixed penalty notices, and several people were summoned to appear before magistrates.
“But this year during the same period only 10 fixed penalty notices were issued.”
Cllr Keane added: “This is really encouraging. We don’t want to fine people for dropping litter – we just want a clean and attractive town that we can all feel proud of.”
Council officers involved in the campaign said they felt the town centre was looking cleaner than during the same period last year.
Cllr Keane concluded: “We’ve also identified two litter hotspots where we need to install new bins, which will mean a further improvement.”
Anti-litter campaign hailed great success
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Gary Skentelbery
Experienced journalist for more than 40 years. Managing Director of magazine publishing group with three in-house titles and on-line daily newspaper for Warrington. Experienced writer, photographer, PR consultant and media expert having written for local, regional and national newspapers. Specialties: PR, media, social networking, photographer, networking, advertising, sales, media crisis management. Chair of Warrington Healthwatch Director Warrington Chamber of Commerce Patron Tim Parry Johnathan Ball Foundation for Peace. Trustee Warrington Disability Partnership. Former Chairman of Warrington Town FC.
4 Comments
Interesting interpretation by Councillor Keane of the lack of action taken against people littering. Most people would not be willing to believe that there has been an 80 per cent drop in litter. If he believes that, then he needs to get out more,
and what about the rest of the town and borough, what’s happening there
Two things spring to mind, is the reduction in number of culprits because they were warned about the new initiative and can the council afford the 80% reduction in income?
I remember last years campaign being advertised before hand, there was talking bins, press releases etc I think that the towns is much cleaner and people are now using bins instead of the floor. I dont think the campaign was to gain money so I am sure the reduction in income wont be an issue but I could be wrong ! I think the fact there is now more cig butt stubber plates on the bins and more people using electronic cigs may have helped too !