Clearing things up on litter picking plans

Sir,–I am glad to see that Fife Council has binned its public litterpickers plan (Courier, September 6).

I have worked as a gardener for several of the large local authorities in Scotland and part of my duties have involved emptying bins and picking up litter.

Firstly, if a job needs doing then the person doing it should be paid a fair day’s wage for a fair day’s work. If there is a request for people to volunteer to clean their own streets then that suggests to me that there is a lack of paid workers to fulfil the job.

As someone who has emptied bins I can assure the public that things such as used needles and waste containing human bodily fluids are regularly found in them.

I have come across soiled nappies, condoms and all other manner of nasty things potentially harbouring disease.

Anyone who partakes in litter picking or any other similar activity should ensure that their tetanus is up to date and I would also advise getting hepatitis A/B injections and possibly typhoid as well.

It might also be the case that any organisation asking you to do a litter pick should be paying the cost of any injections needed to keep you safe.

On a general note a good thick pair of gloves should be worn while taking part in litter picking and also a pair of steel toe cap boots. If you are near roads then a high visibility vest should also be worn and again whoever is asking you to do the task should be providing you with them or paying for them.

It is also good to see that the GMB trade union is taking a strong stance on this issue. Alastair Macintyre. Webster Place, Rosyth.

Picture: Steven Brown. Litter on the beach at Barry Buddon. One correspondent argues that such litter picks should follow correct procedures.