'It isn't difficult' to take your rubbish home - widespread littering at beaches, parks and rivers across Lancaster and Morecambe causes dismay
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Councillor Dave Brookes, Cabinet member with responsibility for environmental services, has called on people to leave beauty spots in a good state, or better, than they found them.
The plea comes after hundreds flocked to beauty spots across the district as temperatures rose over the weekend, some leaving piles of rubbish in their wake.
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Hide AdSouth Lakes MP Tim Farron said that "a large minority showed a complete lack of respect to our communities, the environment and to the social distancing rules which are crucial to keeping us safe" after visiting Cumbria over the weekend.
On the River Lune at Halton, a man and young girl were spotted collecting piles of rubbish the morning after it was packed with people swimming and sunbathing.
Many others have been out tidying up after irresponsible visitors.
Glass bottles can still be seen floating down the River Lune days later.
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Hide AdCoun Brookes said: "Following the easing of lockdown restrictions, it was really disheartening to see pictures of widespread littering on our beaches, rivers, parks and other popular public spaces over the weekend.
“We are extremely lucky to have such beautiful locations on our doorstep for everyone to enjoy, and we should all be making sure to leave them in as good a state, or better, than we found them.
"It isn’t difficult.
“Our crews are working flat out from 6am to 9pm every day to regularly empty more than 1,320 public bins around the district.
"They shouldn’t also have to be cleaning up piles of litter from our beauty spots. Take responsibility for your waste and dispose of it in the bins provided, or take it home with you where much of it can be recycled.”
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Hide AdMr Farron said: "We want to welcome people to visit Cumbria in a safe and sensible way.
"But unfortunately at the weekend a large minority showed a complete lack of respect to our communities, the environment and to the social distancing rules which are crucial to keeping us safe.
"I'm starting a campaign to get the Government to use their 5pm daily briefings to reinforce the Countryside Code as part of their public health messages."
The Countryside Code is:
RESPECT
- Consider the local community and other people enjoying the outdoors
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Hide Ad- Leave gates and property as you find them and follow paths unless wider
access is available
- Parking your car in a responsible place rather than abandoning it main roads such as A591
PROTECT
- Leave no trace of your visit and take your litter home
- Keep dogs under effective control
ENJOY
- Plan ahead and be prepared
- Follow advice and local signs
- Keep to the social distancing rules to keep you and those around you safe
To find out more about the Countryside Code go here: https://www.gov.uk/govern…/publications/the-countryside-code.