Shropshire Star

MP asks Chancellor to fund spring clean amid concerns over litter

An MP is calling on the Government to make funds available for a spring clean after becoming concerned at a growing problem with litter.

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Daniel Kawczynski

Daniel Kawczynski, MP for Shrewsbury and Atcham, said he would be asking Chancellor Rishi Sunak to make more money available for a tidy-up campaign.

He said he was particularly concerned about the amount of litter on grass verges on the main approaches to the town centre, with the A49 through Battlefield being a particular hotspot.

Mr Kawczynski said Shropshire Council was doing its best, but said more funds were needed as part of the Government's 'Build Back Better' initiative.

"The roads around Shrewsbury are covered in litter, I have never seen them as bad as this," he said.

"It is horrendous the number of people throwing rubbish out of their cars.

"As we lift lockdown it appears to me we need a major spring clean of our community.

"As we leave behind this year-long nightmare, many will want to enjoy the outdoors with families and friends. Our communities are littered with trash from selfish people with no manners."

Mr Kawczynski said tourism was an important part of Shrewsbury's economy, and it was important that people had a good impression on arrival in the town.

"We are just emerging from hibernation, and the first thing you do when you come out of hibernation is to have a spring clean."

Mr Kawczynski said Shropshire Council's cabinet member for highways, Councillor Steve Davenport, was seeking a private-sector sponsor to help fund a community litter-pick.

"I think Councillor Davenport is doing a great job, but because of the horrendous problems the council is having to deal with at the moment, I don't think grass verges or litter collection has been as efficient as it could be," he said.

"It's clear there needs to be national support to local councils. Build back better should also include maintenance."