MAYOR of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Councillor Brian Tierney, has taken part in a walkabout along the city’s riverfront to help increase awareness of a rise in littering in the Council area.
The ‘Why would ye?’ campaign seeks to halt a recent spike in litter levels, particularly on walkways, following a rise in footfall during the restrictions to reduce the spread of Covid 19.
It aims to make people think before discarding their litter on the street or letting their dog foul in our shared spaces.
The campaign is possible due to support from the Department for Communities who have funded the installation of new bins along Queen’s Quay and street art which has been added to hot spots to highlight the message.
“Since the beginning of the pandemic we’ve seen a huge spike in the number of people using our outdoor spaces for recreation and exercise,” explained Mayor Tierney.
“While it is great to see people reaping the health and well being benefits that brings this has also led to a rise in litter levels with various materials, including face masks and gloves, becoming commonplace on our streets.
“There has also been an increase in dog fouling during the period alongside an increase in dog ownership.
“The vast majority of people dispose of their waste appropriately but I want to appeal to everyone to show some respect and pride in our beautiful home place by using the bins provided.
“Litter creates unnecessary costs and is a blight on our landscape so why would you do it?”
“I want to thank the Department for Communities for the funding of almost £50,000 to deliver this initiative and provide the practical support our city centre needs at this time.”
As part of his walkabout, Mayor Tierney spoke with walkers along Derry Quay and helped spray paint some of the messaging artwork to the walkway.
As part of the campaign Council are urging people to make a conscious effort to reduce the amount of food they waste by taking up the Food Action Challenge which guides people through simple steps to reduce the amount of food going into their brown caddies.
The challenge will help save money in the short term and has multiple benefits for the environment in the longer term, for more visit derrystrabane.com/foodwastechallenge.
For full details on Council’s Waste and Recycling Services visit: derrystrabane.com/recycling
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