Recent weeks have seen some of the UK's councils down tools in an attempt to get the backing of the public in the war against litter. East Lothian Council, Manchester City Council and West Oxfordshire District Council are some of those who decided to temporarily suspend street sweeping duties to shock litter droppers into curbing their dirty habits.
These councils are hoping that such actions will remind members of the public that keeping the streets litter-free and having some pride in their environment is ultimately their responsibility.
Judith West, Chairman of the British Cleaning Council (BCC) said: "Try as many of our councils may to clean and sweep up their locations, it's no mean feat if persistent litter louts show little regard for the spaces in which we live and work."
The move, backed by the Local Government Association (LGA), has not been without its critics, including the Is it Fair? council tax protest group who claim that this is a penny pinching exercise by the councils.
Continued Judith: "While these actions may be deemed controversial it pushes the message of caring for the local environment to the general public. The sooner it hits those who mess up our streets, the better."
