Litter-picking ban could be lifted for best-kept village contest

A THREE-year ban on picking up litter in communities close to the Novichok poisonings is set to be lifted this week – to allow entries into the best kept village competition.

Residents living close to Salisbury have been part of a “don’t pick it up” rubbish zone imposed by Public Health England since a Russian hit squad allegedly targeted the city in March 2018.

Details of the ban in several small south Wiltshire villages had stopped them from carrying out the annual spring cleaning they needed to enter the prestigious awards.

But three years on, it is understood Public Health England is reviewing the ban with a positive decision expected within days.

And councillors who coordinate the competition entries said the lifting should come in plenty of time for areas to become suitably spruced up.

Cllr Richard Britton said: “I believe the ban is being reconsidered and we are hoping for a positive announcement this week. I’ve had no indication which way the decision may go but I would be very surprised if it was not now removed.

“Public Health England is not able to give the best kept village competition as a reason for lifting it. They have to make the decision on the scientific advice they have available.

“But the best kept village competition is an annual event and each village has a different approach. Some have litter picks throughout the year. The judges tour all of the entrant villages in May. If the ban is lifted it is not too late for those not allowed to do litter picks to get themselves ready.”

The Public Health England guidance since 2018 has been “if you don’t drop it, don’t pick it up. This still stands in Salisbury, Amesbury and the surrounding areas and villages in South Wiltshire”.

Wiltshire Council confirmed that the litter picking ban imposed by Public Health England was still in force but it was being assessed by its medical advisers.