'It isn't difficult' to take your rubbish home - widespread littering at beaches, parks and rivers across Lancaster and Morecambe causes dismay

Lancaster City Council says it has been "working flat out" daily to empty 1,320 bins across the district, and shouldn't have to be clearing up piles of litter from our beauty spots as well.
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Councillor Dave Brookes, Cabinet member with responsibility for environmental services, has called on people to leave beauty spots in a good state, or better, than they found them.

The plea comes after hundreds flocked to beauty spots across the district as temperatures rose over the weekend, some leaving piles of rubbish in their wake.

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South Lakes MP Tim Farron said that "a large minority showed a complete lack of respect to our communities, the environment and to the social distancing rules which are crucial to keeping us safe" after visiting Cumbria over the weekend.

Scenes on the River Lune at Kirkby Lonsdale. Photo by Bill Pilkington.Scenes on the River Lune at Kirkby Lonsdale. Photo by Bill Pilkington.
Scenes on the River Lune at Kirkby Lonsdale. Photo by Bill Pilkington.

On the River Lune at Halton, a man and young girl were spotted collecting piles of rubbish the morning after it was packed with people swimming and sunbathing.

Many others have been out tidying up after irresponsible visitors.

Glass bottles can still be seen floating down the River Lune days later.

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Coun Brookes said: "Following the easing of lockdown restrictions, it was really disheartening to see pictures of widespread littering on our beaches, rivers, parks and other popular public spaces over the weekend.

The River Lune at Halton.The River Lune at Halton.
The River Lune at Halton.

“We are extremely lucky to have such beautiful locations on our doorstep for everyone to enjoy, and we should all be making sure to leave them in as good a state, or better, than we found them.

"It isn’t difficult.

“Our crews are working flat out from 6am to 9pm every day to regularly empty more than 1,320 public bins around the district.

"They shouldn’t also have to be cleaning up piles of litter from our beauty spots. Take responsibility for your waste and dispose of it in the bins provided, or take it home with you where much of it can be recycled.”

A man and girl could be seen collecting bags of rubbish on Sunday morning.A man and girl could be seen collecting bags of rubbish on Sunday morning.
A man and girl could be seen collecting bags of rubbish on Sunday morning.
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Mr Farron said: "We want to welcome people to visit Cumbria in a safe and sensible way.

"But unfortunately at the weekend a large minority showed a complete lack of respect to our communities, the environment and to the social distancing rules which are crucial to keeping us safe.

"I'm starting a campaign to get the Government to use their 5pm daily briefings to reinforce the Countryside Code as part of their public health messages."

The Countryside Code is:

Residents have been angered by those leaving rubbish after enjoying beauty spots in the Lancaster area.Residents have been angered by those leaving rubbish after enjoying beauty spots in the Lancaster area.
Residents have been angered by those leaving rubbish after enjoying beauty spots in the Lancaster area.

RESPECT

- Consider the local community and other people enjoying the outdoors

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- Leave gates and property as you find them and follow paths unless wider

access is available

- Parking your car in a responsible place rather than abandoning it main roads such as A591

PROTECT

- Leave no trace of your visit and take your litter home

- Keep dogs under effective control

ENJOY

- Plan ahead and be prepared

- Follow advice and local signs

- Keep to the social distancing rules to keep you and those around you safe

To find out more about the Countryside Code go here: https://www.gov.uk/govern…/publications/the-countryside-code.