MAMMOTH RUBBISH HAUL FROM ROADS IN BEDFORD BOROUGH

Bedford Borough Council's road clearance crews have removed an astonishing 545 bags of rubbish from roadside verges in just two months.

Specialist crews have targeted the busiest and most used routes in Bedford Borough and have uncovered huge amounts of rubbish thrown out by motorists onto the roadside. The rubbish collected weighs over 9,000 kilograms, or the equivalent of 76 baby elephants!

Liberal Democrat Mayor of Bedford Borough, Dave Hodgson, said: "Our crews have collected a staggering amount of litter which sadly in most cases is simply chucked on to the side of the road by thoughtless drivers.

"As part of the Council's 'Why Would You' campaign we are cracking down on anti-social behaviour, including littering. We are combining intervention with regular litter picking patrols. Anyone seen littering in any part of the borough will be issued a Fixed Penalty Notice.

"Major routes are a gateway into the borough and it is important that we do all we can to ensure they are clean and welcoming to residents and visitors alike.

"I am sure the vast majority of law abiding residents will be shocked at the amount of rubbish collected in a relatively short amount of time. I can assure residents that we are doing all we can to tackle this blight on our environment which is caused by the actions of a thoughtless minority."

The roads targeted recently are:

• A6 from Cowbridge to Wilstead
• B530 Ampthill Road
• A421 slip roads
• A421 between Black Cat roundabout and Marsh Leys
• A6 to Rushden boundary
• Bromham bypass
• A422 Bromham toMilton Keynesboundary

If any local residents would like to report any issues with littering elsewhere in the borough, they can do so by calling 01234 267422 or by visiting www.bedford.gov.uk and click on 'Report It'.