Litter louts hit Newport parks just hours after they were cleaned

The mess being caused during the summer holidays has been described as ‘incredible’ by police and councillors.

Pc Lee Thomas, of Newport’s safer neighbourhood team, said that if the facilities continue to be abused, they could one day cease to be available – a message hammered home by a warning sign on Norbroom Skate Park’s gate, asking those who use it to avoid taking bottles and alcohol in with them.

It comes just months after it was revealed the skate park and Victoria Park had been hit by graffiti attacks amid fears of a rise in anti-social behaviour.

“It’s very sad to hear about the increasing amounts of litter being discarded around Victoria Park and Norbroom Skate Park,” Pc Thomas said.

“Thankfully we do have a very dedicated group of litter pickers in Newport who supplement the clean up activities carried out by Telford & Wrekin Council but parents, please talk to your youngsters if they frequent these areas, and make them aware of how unacceptable it is. Ultimately, if the facilities provided are going to be abused, at some point the facilities may no longer exist.”

Councillor Peter Scott, who organises the Newport Community Litter Pick, said: “Newport has more bins per head than anywhere else in the borough. The message has to be please use them. Please make sure the areas are tidy.

“It’s about social responsibility, caring about the environment and the areas we play in.

“It’s the school holidays. Enjoy the public spaces, enjoy the weather, but please put plastic and metal cans in the bins.”

Earlier this summer graffiti was found in the skate park and Victoria Park.

Councillor Scott said there needed to be more education on the effects of littering.

“I don’t think people realise how long these things take to break down,” he said. “It takes almost 1,000 years for a bottle to disintegrate. A coke can, if it’s recycled, can be back on the shelf within 12 weeks. We don’t want to move equipment unless we have to. Showing respect for the area is the best way to keep the facilities in place.

“If we all dispose of our own litter, there won’t be any problem.

“On the entrance to the skate park it says no littering, no bottles, no alcohol. It says that failing to comply could lead to the facilities being taken away.

“If it means we have a tidier area by taking it away, that’s what will have to happen.”

“It’s up to us all as individuals to do there own little bit. I don’t expect it to be spotless, but there’s no reason to drop a bottle when there’s a bin nearby.”