Help keep St Helens Borough clean and tidy this summer

The plea coincides with national Love Parks Week (29 July - 5 August) and follows increasing reports by local residents about the amount of litter on local streets and parks.

Love Parks Week, run annually by Keep Britain Tidy, gives people across the country the chance to shout about their wonderful green spaces, and celebrates the efforts of workers and volunteers who protect them. 

As part of the local call to action, the council is currently rolling out new signage for litter bins to encourage residents to use regular waste bins for both litter and dog waste. 

There are over 450 litter bins in the borough and these can all be used for both litter and dog waste. If you have a dog, please be a responsible owner and clean up after your pets so everyone can enjoy public spaces. 

A recent YouGov Survey for Keep Britain Tidy revealed that visiting the park is the highlight of the day for 62 per cent of dog owners, and 62 per cent of parents agreed that it is the highlight of their child's day too. 

The council's grounds maintenance teams have regular cleansing routes around the borough, as well as targeted callouts in response to community reports, but with 1400 hectares of open space, 473 miles of roads, 682 miles of footpaths to cover, residents must dispose of litter and waste to help keep the borough tidy.

And remember that if you're caught leaving dog waste on public land you could be hit with an £80 Fixed Penalty Notice. 

Councillor Andy Bowden, Cabinet Member for Environment and Transport, said: "Whether you're having a picnic in one of our parks, walking your dog or grabbing a bite to eat from your local high street, please use the litter bins provided and help us to keep St Helens Borough clean and tidy this summer. 

"While we go to great lengths to keep our streets and green spaces clear of litter, we simply can't do it without you. Parks give our communities, our families, and our pets a vital space to play, grow, and bond. Show our borough some love by always disposing of litter and dog waste appropriately." 

For more information on reporting litter and dog fouling visit www.sthelens.gov.uk/report-it