Hucknall folk urged to help keep town tidy

At a meeting of the group in Hucknall Library, chairman Ken Robinson said: “Our aim is to do everything we can to keep the town tidy. There is no excuse for dropping litter because plenty of bins are available.”

Members hope funding can be obtained for a leaflet drop at every household in Hucknall to promote the group’s anti-litter initiative.

Ashfield District Council deputy leader Coun John Wilmott, of Hucknall, said: “Quite a lot of people throw litter down without any thought of keeping Hucknall clean and tidy.

“It is abundantly clear that such a situation is unacceptable. People should take pride in their town.”

The meeting was told that Churches Together in Hucknall, Linby and Papplewick were supporting the initiative, while Hucknall National Church of England Academy was trying to ‘educate’ pupils to use litter bins.

Ken Cotham, of Hucknall Central Tenants’ and Residents’ Association, called for weather-proof signs to say what should be put in recycling skips and what shouldn’t.

Group treasurer Sheila Robinson mentioned a new project by Ashfield Community Safety Partnership as part of their Respect for Ashfield initiative, promoting responsible disposal of litter, cigarette ends and dog waste.

The aim is to paint foot and paw prints, cigarettes and ashtrays on the ground near litter bins to ‘nudge’ people to use them.

Another idea is to install brightly-coloured bins to raise awareness of their presence.

The scheme is being piloted at Sutton-in-Ashfield and, if successful, it may be extended to other parts of the district.