Anger over Wrekin rubbish problem

People living beside The Wrekin today said the area would have "drowned" in litter if it were not for residents clearing up visitors' rubbish.

Residents have hit out at litter louts who they say are ruining one of the county's most picturesque areas.

Villagers from Little Wenlock, New Works and Coalmoor have spoken out.

They claim they are forced every month to clean the area of drinks cans, bottles, takeaway trays and sweet wrappers, all dumped by visitors.

Resident Pat Hutchings said something had to change or litter would spoil the Shropshire countryside for everyone.

He said: "If it wasn't for these residents volunteering to pick up all this rubbish deposited by irresponsible people then this area would have drowned in litter years ago.

"Last year we were waiting at the car park at the foot of The Wrekin . . . when one motorist threw litter from his car window as he drove out. People must learn that this is extremely anti-social behaviour and damages our beautiful Shropshire countryside."

Bin bag-wielding locals, who call themselves The Wombles, have pointed the finger at suspects including fishermen and picnickers.

Residents are appealing for more litter bins and road signs to encourage people to take their litter home or deposit it properly.

Councillor Martin Taylor-Smith, Shropshire Council's cabinet member for transport and IT, said littering was unacceptable.

Chris Ammonds, spokesman for Telford police, said repeat offenders could be tracked down.

By Peter Finch