Stopping the dropping

May 21 2008 by Our Correspondent, Huddersfield Daily Examiner

YOU might know that I recently launched a national campaign called Stop the Drop, aimed at targeting the blight of litter and fly-tipping in our villages, towns and countryside.

Since the launch in April we’ve had a superb response from members of the public concerned about this issue. We are hugely encouraged by the heroic efforts of the thousands of volunteers who have either joined our campaign and helped us lobby their district council or taken part in a local litter pick.

It’s essential that we ask our councils and Government agencies what they are doing to tackle these issues, for the very reason that a Government report this year found that far too many councils were not clearing up litter and the results of fly-tipping as they should. Most of the councils surveyed in Yorkshire and Humberside were rated as unsatisfactory on litter collection and prosecuting offenders.

In the region as a whole there has been a 20% marked deterioration in litter standards since surveys began in 2001 and a 7% increase in the last year. Of course, it’s illegal to drop litter, but it’s also illegal for the bodies responsible for picking it up not to do so.

I would be delighted if your readers would join me in this important campaign. Either write to me with any comments or suggestions at billbryson@cpre.org.uk or visit the website www.cpre.org.uk to pledge support and take action.

We have a CPRE branch in every county if people want to support the campaign locally.

A tidy countryside should be a right, not a surprise. It’s possible. It’s worth it. Please help us if you can.

Bill Bryson

President, Campaign to Protect Rural England