Burston and Shimpling litter pickers concerned after finding broken bottles and dog faeces

A villager has urged people to be vigilant after finding some worrying items during a recent litter pick.

Nigel Frankland, chairman of Burston and Shimpling Parish Council, said the team of 10 volunteers were distressed to find 22 wine and cider bottles littered in Shimpling and a large amount of dog faeces in both villages, at the weekend.

The parish council is urging people to make sure glass is disposed of properly and dog owners clean up after their dogs.

“During the litterpick, volunteers discovered a scooter and a complete fire alarm, amongst other things,” said Mr Frankland.

“However, a lot of empty plastic bottles and tin cans were recovered from the roadside and ditches, along with empty sandwich and cigarette packets.

“Twenty-two wine and cider bottles were collected along Moor Road and Dickleburgh Road in Shimpling.

Glass bottles are a real hazard, often causing fires during dry weather and, if they smash on impact, are very dangerous to dogs, horses and people out walking.

“Another unpleasant hazard is dog fouling. This was commented on by volunteers cleaning up in Audley Close and the recreation ground.

“The message from the parish council to dog owners is simple; your dog, your responsibility – bag up the mess and deposit it in the dog waste bins the parish council provide or in your own general waste bin.

Another volunteer, parish councillor Angela Belgrove, said: “It is clear that many residents keep their own frontage, curbside or close free from litter on a regular basis.

“Also, many locals litter pick when out for a walk, and for this the parish council is extremely grateful. It makes Burston and Shimpling a pleasant place to live.

“For those who are new to the village, the twice-yearly litter pick, organised by the parish council, is a good way to make links with other villagers and contribute to village life.

“The next one is our annual ‘big spring tidy up’ and I hope people will come along and join us then.”