Council staff get Lade into costs of littering
Waterway clean-up
Council workers and volunteers helped clear up Perth’s ladeside Perth’s historic Lade has received a welcome tidy-up from council workers and volunteers.
On Thursday this week the water course was the focus of attention of the Beautiful Perth floral group, community stalwarts and PKC staff for a litter pick just off Crieff Road.
Local authority workers committed time from their delayed office opening scheme to help enhance the Lade’s environs and highlight just some of the waste problems they encounter - and which costs the public purse.
Perth and Kinross Council said the Lade is one of many popular and pretty spots which suffer from fly-tipping and poorly disposed of waste, ranging from dog poo to food packaging. This costs the council £2m per year to clear up.
The community litter pick also forms part of wider efforts to reduce the amount of litter on our streets. From an early age, school children are taught about litter in Perth and Kinross Schools. Litter education is a key part of the Curriculum for Excellence, with Waste Services staff providing interactive talks and presentations to schools across Perth and Kinross.
PKC’s waste services also provide assistance with organising litter surveys and supplying materials for school or community litter picks.
A spokesperson for the council said: “Dog walkers are encouraged to dispose of dog waste in litter bins or in designated dog waste bins and to take advantage of the council’s free dog waste bags.”
More than three million of these are given to dog-owners every year.
Last week former councillor John Flynn highlighted problems with the Lade which had suffered from trolleys and other items being dumped in it.
Fly-tipping can be reported to the council’s customer service centre on 01738 476476 or by email to recycle@pkc.gov.uk