Over the course of July and August, waste and recycling crew members from North Devon Council undertook an initiative to enhance the cleanliness and environmental consciousness of the district.
The team embarked on a comprehensive litter pick along the North Devon link road, making an impactful stride towards a cleaner community. The team began their mission from Bideford end of the A39 and extended their efforts onto the A361 to Witheridge and Rackenford.
A total of 510 bags of rubbish was collected, alongside the retrieval of 14 pieces of metal, 4 pieces of wood, 6 discarded tyres, as well as items such as a camper van fridge and a fridge freezer. The cleanup aimed not only to restore the natural beauty of the surroundings but also to remind passersby and residents of the importance of responsible waste disposal.
Lead Member for Climate and Biodiversity, Cllr Ricky Knight, says: "The amount of litter on our verges is an eyesore and collecting it was no easy job for our team. The hard work of our clean-up crews has not only improved the aesthetics of our district but sends a strong message to local people and tourists about the significance of taking care of our environment. I hope the resulting cleaner roadside areas will encourage people to adopt more environmentally aware habits, such as properly disposing of their rubbish in the bins provided in lay-bys and rest areas or by taking it home with them."
The initiative aligns with the council's ongoing 'Clear Messages' campaign, which aims to combat environmental offences such as littering. The campaign encourages community members to actively participate by sharing information about littering incidents and perpetrators. The message is simple: "Challenge it, Report it, Change it."
To further support these efforts, North Devon residents are urged to report environmental offenses, including littering and other violations, by visiting the council's website or by contacting the Environmental Health team directly at 01271 388870.
More information on street care can be found on the council's website.