Think before you drop, urges SWD

THE States Works Department is bracing itself for a worsening litter problem in the coming months. 'As we get into the summer season, there is an increase in litter each year,' said the department's general manager, Dave Parish.

He wants people out at night to spare a thought for those who have to clean up.

His early-morning team clears up in Town and the Bridge 363 days a year.

North Plantation, where most of Town's fast-food outlets are located, was a perennial problem area, said Mr Parish.

Licensing takeaways had been suggested.

'I don't think licensing is the answer - it's education for the outlets and the people using them,' Mr Parish added.

In the UK, Burger King and McDonald's take responsibility for litter for about 150 metres either side of their premises.

'People tend to throw rubbish at the bins rather than in them over here - I don't think it's the lack of bins that's the problem,' said Mr Parish.

'We would increase the number but that has not been an issue.'

He called on people to use the bins provided. 'While you are enjoying your evening out in Town or the Bridge, your actions are spoiling it for others in the early morning.'

He denied claims that the mess left in Town was a turn-off for tourists.

'It is always gone by 6.30 or 7 so it is not going to deter tourists,' he said.

'We are a small island - it's about education and raising awareness. It's our home and we should be proud of our island and keeping it clean.'

Vlade Zekavica, owner of Yugo's and Vlade's fast-food outlets at North Plantation, accepted that customers did cause litter problems.

But he said that there was little that could be done once they were out in the streets if they ignored the bins provided.

His staff often spent up until 3am cleaning up the mess outside the

premises.