How to report a problem
Tweet us (@mercury1712) with the details using the hashtag #letscleanup.
Alternatively, post your suggestions on our Facebook page, email smeditor@stamfordmercury.co.uk or phone us on 01780 750436.
Keeping the area clean is a top priority for local authorities...
South Kesteven District Council
South Kesteven District Council spends £1.1m a year on street cleaning.
Portfolio holder for healthy environment John Smith (Con) said: “We take our responsibility for street cleaning extremely seriously.
“As a council we do our best to keep the streets of our district clean and we do ask people not to drop litter but it is an ongoing process. Any areas that are highlighted to us will be inspected and cleaned where necessary.”
The district council also funds community cleaners in Stamford as part of a joint arrangement with Stamford Town Council. The cleaners are dedicated to cleaning the High Street and the alleyways.
The partnership is currently being reviewed to make it more efficient.
Stamford Town Council
Stamford Town Council is also responsible for cleaning The Meadows and the Recreation Ground in Stamford, which is done every morning during the summer, including Sundays and bank holidays.
Town council clerk Patricia Stuart-Mogg said: “Litter is a huge issue and a serious concern for residents of Stamford.
“Everyone wants to make sure our town is something we can be proud of and we all have to take responsibility.”
Market Deeping Town Council
Market Deeping Town Council employs litter pickers to clear the John Eve Field, the Glebe Field, the Rectory Paddocks, Welland Gardens and Riverside Gardens every morning from Monday to Saturday.
And Deeping St James Parish Council employs a litter picker to clean up the Woody Heights Skatepark and outside the shops and the takeaways.
Parish councillor Judy Stevens said: “Our main problem is not litter but dog muck, which we are really trying to combat.
“I think people need to take responsibility for putting their litter in the bin or cleaning up after their dog. It is a real shame if the area looks untidy because people drop their rubbish.”
Rutland County Council
Rutland County Council carries out daily litter picks in Oakham and Uppingham town centres and all streets within the towns once a month. Villages are cleared monthly or quarterly depending on size. The council is also responsible for laybys on the A47 and A1 in the county.
Council leader Roger Begy (Con) said: “The council clearly has an important role to play in doing this, but we need support and commitment from our local community.
“We are pleased to support this Mercury campaign and if it makes one person think twice before dropping a piece of litter in the local area, then it’s certainly well worth doing.”
Oakham Town Council
Oakham Town Council takes responsibility for litter picking in Cutts Close, Royce’s Playing Field and the playarea in Willow Crescent, as well as All Saints churchyard.
Oakham mayor Joyce Lucas said: “I pick up two pieces of litter every day because it is a real bugbear of mine, in particular cigarette butts.
“I think everyone should do the same and take some responsibility.
“I also deadheaded the daffodils in Braunston Road in Oakham and the amount of litter in there was unbelievable.”
Uppingham Town Council
Uppingham Town Council also employs a litter picker who clears rubbish from Tods Piece, as well as in the town centre.
Deputy mayor David Casewell said dog mess was as much of a problem as litter.
He said: “I think Uppingham overall is not too bad but everyone can do their bit to make the town look as good as it can. It is the responsibility of everyone.”
Bourne Town Council
Bourne Town Council tidies the Recreation Ground and organises regular litter picks by volunteers as part of its Bourne in Bloom campaign to get the town looking its best.
Town councillor Judy Smith said: “The volunteers who help pick up rubbish in Bourne are absolutely fantastic but I think it’s very important that if people want the town to look tidy, that they don’t drop litter in the first place and if people see it, they should pick it up.
“There are a lot of problem areas in Bourne and rubbish is a real eyesore.”
Bourne United Charities, which owns the Abbey Lawn, the Wellhead Field and the Memorial Gardens, also employs groundsmen to clear its areas on at least a weekly basis.
Peterborough City Council
Peterborough City Council is also backing the campaign.
Strategic regulatory services manager Peter Gell said: “It is really important to the council that the streets and pavements are kept looking their best. In a time when the economy is suffering people should stop and think of the additional cost to the council. If we didn’t have to clean up litter and rubbish unnecessarily we would save money.”
East Northamptonshire Council
East Northamptonshire councillor Glenn Harwood (Con) said: “We are pleased to be able to support this anti-litter campaign being run by the Mercury.”
Litter picks have also been run in Harringworth, Apethorpe and King’s Cliffe.
