Call to clean up Bridport's streets of shame (From Bridport and Lyme Regis News)

Call to clean up Bridport's streets of shame

9:32am Thursday 4th June 2009

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A CAMPAIGN has been launched to clean up Bridport’s ‘filthy streets’.

Scavenging gulls and rats are leaving piles of foul-smelling waste across the town after early morning attacks on plastic bin bags.

The problem has become so bad Portland Place resident Damon Allen, 44, is calling for people who put out their rubbish too early to be fined.

He has launched a crusade to clean up the town warning that the piles of rotting rubbish are unsightly, unhealthy and could harm the tourist industry.

He says the scene on some mornings is worse than in the slums of a Third World country.

Mr Allen, pictured right, is backing his case with a series of pictures showing the extent of the mess across Bridport on just one morning.

He says he could capture the same images day after day.

He said: “I think it is an appalling state of affairs but has not been in the public eye as it is usually cleared up by the time most people are up and about.

“This is no excuse for the foul state of our streets. The smell is rank and can linger for weeks.”

Although seagulls are often the culprits, as his pictures prove, Mr Allen has seen rats, dogs, cats and even hedgehogs rummaging through the sacks.

Although he wants to see the streets cleaned up he says running to the district council is not the answer – it is up to individuals to have some pride and respect for their town.

“What of our tourist industry? If I was a tourist planning to stay in Bridport or West Bay and arrived early in the morning to see the place looking like a tip, I would keep driving on to Devon.

“What of disease? I will not list the revolting detritus dropped by gulls onto roofs and parapets and dragged into buildings by rats “If we refuse to act then the problem can only get worse. Yes there is a problem with seagulls but they are only taking advantage of the natural bounty.

“The seagulls are not the problem it is the people who are the problem.

“Let’s not all go running to the council wanting wheelie bins, it is unviable and there are so many people living in flats how can they all one?”

Mr Allen, who runs the Bridport Radio internet website, suggests the council should think about fining people for putting their bins out too early.

“Some local councils will fine you for putting out your bins too early, perhaps this should be introduced in Bridport. Let’s not forget that it is our money that pays for the clean-up crews.”

He said in the few houses where people put rags or blankets on top the bags are left alone.

“People seem to think that as soon as they put their rubbish out on the street it is nothing to do with them any more and they just walk on by.

“We should take individual responsibility, even if it takes some sort of legislation so be it.

“We have traffic wardens perhaps we need a bin warden. I have just come back from Sir Lanka and even in the slums they haven’t got that level of putrid rubbish lying around. They use all their rubbish – if the goats and dogs haven’t eaten it they recycle it and do something with it.

West Dorset District Council Services Manager Ian Doyle said: “The council does take enforcement action against residents who place their bin bags out prior to collection day, although initially this will take the form of education and awareness. Should this not prove successful we would look at fixed penalty notices under the Environmental Protection Act 1990. Residents who place their refuse bags out early are likely to attract seagulls which then create a mess which is cleared up either by residents or West Dorset District Council staff during the course of their duties.

“Introduction of new collection systems such as wheelie bins is extremely expensive to the council tax payer and there are no plans at present to introduce them. The district council is continuing to explore better waste service options in partnership with neighbouring district councils and the county council as part of the waste pathfinder project.

“This is aimed at providing improved waste collection services at minimum cost to residents.”

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