Litter near schools is ‘worst ever’
The amount of litter in and around two Perth secondary schools is said to be worse than ever.
Councillors Liz Barrett and Willie Wilson have received a growing number of complaints from residents in the Oakbank/ Burghmuir area in recent weeks.
They have told the Perth City South councillors the amount of litter on the grounds of Perth Academy and Perth High School and surrounding streets is the “worst they have ever encountered.”
The Scottish Liberal Democrat councillors have launched an action programme over the Christmas period in response to the escalating problem.
The councillors have asked both schools to do a “thorough litter pick” in their grounds before the schools break up for Christmas.
A small action group of residents have also volunteered to pick up litter in the area.
Cllr Wilson said: “It is important we tidy up the area for the festive season and do more to tackle the litter problem next year.”
He thinks the issue has increased due to pupils being encouraged to stay outside at lunchtime during the pandemic.
Cllr Wilson said: “Due to guidance discouraging pupils remaining in the buildings, far more are going outside school grounds during the school day. This means they visit local shops and catering establishments and inevitably this increases the amount of litter.”
He added: “There seems to be a growing minority who ignore the litter code and the law. We do thank all the young people who observe the rules about litter and are helping keep the area tidy, and the volunteers who will be carrying out a litter pick just before the Christmas holidays.”
Newly elected councillor Liz Barrett told the PA they have resolved to tackle the issue head on in the new year.
Cllr Barrett said: “In 2021 we plan to tackle this situation more fundamentally with the schools and the wider community, working with the council’s communities teams.
“As well as keeping in contact with the schools about this, we’ll be appealing for more residents and pupils to become involved in the council’s local litter champions programme. We’ll also be checking whether more bins are needed in some places.”
A Perth and Kinross Council spokesperson said: “Everyone has a right to live in a clean and safe environment and we regularly remind pupils not to litter.
“Teaching our children and young people about the harm caused by littering is a vital part of environmental education.
“Alongside the work teachers undertake with our young people, our waste awareness coordinators work with schools on the resource issues and environmental concerns around waste, recycling and litter.”
It is important we tidy up the area for the festive season