Hitting takeaways 'won't stop litter'

A TOWN takeaway owner has dismissed calls to license such businesses because of concerns about rubbish. Vlade Zekavica defended his outlets following calls from new St Peter Port senior constable Jenny Tasker for takeaways to be licensed and to be responsible for the rubbish they generated.

One businessman described the morning scene near the Vlade Takeout as horrific.

Mr Zekavica said that his staff already cleared bigger pieces of litter outside the North Plantation premises.

Police should, he said, take a stronger line against people dropping rubbish.

'Look at the mobile phone. If they see you use it in your car, you get fined and everybody is scared to do it.'

People were not using the bins provided, he said, and licensing was not the answer.

Deputy Tasker said that in other places businesses were licensed and had to clean an area around their premises.

'People come into Town from all over the island and just drop whatever they are using to eat from,' she said.

'Those premises that deal with food do have a responsibility. It doesn't appear they take that very seriously on a voluntary basis.

'Just as other premises have to be licensed for other things, it seems to us on the douzaine that this could be helpful to ensure they take more responsibility for clearing up.'

States Works, a division of Public Services, is contracted to clean the streets.

'The amount spent annually on cleaning up is horrendous,' she said. 'If Public Services' funds are used to clean up rubbish, they can't be used for other areas of its responsibility that would be of benefit to islanders.'

Rob Bailey, managing director of neighbouring Seaquest Marine, said that the rubbish was cleared early in the morning so did not cause his business a problem.

But when he arrived before the clean-up teams, he described the area as 'like Armageddon'.

'The takeaway next door has big bins outside, so there's no excuse for the rubbish to be thrown on the floor,' he said.

Another businessman in the area said that when he worked in a takeaway, they used to clear the area within 100 metres of the premises.

Those who produced rubbish should be responsible for its disposal, he added.

'I don't think there should be legislation, but it's common sense. You don't open up bacon at home and throw litter on the floor, so why should you outside?' he said.

'The guy from States Works who's been cleaning up outside for the last few months has done a wonderful job. I have never seen it so clean.'

Police media liaison officer Inspector Trevor Coleman said that depositing litter in the street was an offence. 'Officers can and do take action against those responsible.'

States Works general manager Nigel Dorey said that responsibility lay with the person dropping the litter. He said that it was a matter of education.