Outrage at bank holiday litter plague at hotspot
APETITION against litter, traffic chaos and defecating in the bushes at a beauty spot has been started amid outrage at problems over the bank holiday weekend.
Matt Vernon started the petition on change.org after pictures emerged over the weekend of litter piled high against bins around Llyn Padarn in Llanberis in Gwynedd.
After the photos were shared on the Snowdonia Mountain Community Facebook page, there was criticism of those who left the rubbish and the council.
Critics accused the council
of not providing enough bins, not emptying them regularly, and not enforcing byelaws on refuse and camper vans parking overnight.
Gwynedd Council said it would introduce “additional measures” to curb camper vans parking overnight and “continue to consider how to change people’s behaviour and attitudes” towards litter.
Mr Vernon started his petition, which asks for a park and ride to curb traffic in the village, more bins and longer toilet opening times – last Tuesday morning.
He said: “People of Llanberis are rightly fed up with traffic chaos around the lagoons and in the centre of Llanberis.
“We ask Gwynedd Council to create a park and ride at Glyn Rhonwy to alleviate the issues. Who knows, businesses might actually take interest if there is footfall up there and it’s maintained.
“Llanberis needs adequate bin capacity/collection if they wish to keep the area tidy, inviting to tourists and pleasant for local residents. Toilets should be opened earlier and shut later to prevent people defecating in the undergrowth.”
The pictures shared online showed litter strewn around the Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) over the Bank Holiday weekend.
Commenters called for more bins, more collections at peak times, and wardens to patrol the area to tackle the litter problem.
A spokeswoman for Gwynedd Council said: “The August bank holiday period was exceptionally busy with thousands of people enjoying the good weather and the fantastic resources at Parc Padarn.
“We do urge visitors to treat the area with respect and ensure that they dispose of any litter responsibly – either by taking it home or using the proper bins.
“The amount of litter being left is a concern.
“We continue to consider how to change people’s behaviour and attitudes as part of the solution.
“The council proposes to introduce new arrangements at Y Glyn during 2020, which will include parking fees, improvements on the highway and additional measures against unauthorised overnight camping.”