SIXTY-THREE volunteers took part in the Alton Society’s autumn litter pick, scouring the town centre, car parks and alleyways for litter over a four-day period.

In addition, Drayman’s Way, Basingstoke Road up to New Odiham Road, Wilsom Road, Ashdell Road, Kings Pond, Mount Pleasant Road and Windmill Hill were also cleared.

Yet again, the main problem was discarded cigarette butts. Despite the many bins provided with panels to stub out lighted cigarettes, it appears some smokers continue to let down the town.

Cans and bottles featured as well but there were fewer plastic bags. The charge for these bags has reduced the number thrown away. When the government introduces a deposit return system on bottles and cans, that should also make a difference.

The town’s car parks contained the most litter. These appear to be neglected by the local authorities, as some of the litter has been there for a lengthy period of time.

There is an increase in drug equipment such as plastic straws and nitrous oxide canisters.

We intend to write to those businesses who have the worst litter problems. If they need help in purchasing cigarette butt bins, we are sure we could help. Perhaps some councillors’ grants could be used for these.

The commercial premises can help us by acting on our pleas to tidy up their frontages and the surrounding areas.

The Alton Society would like to thank everyone, members and non-members, who turned out to help make Alton a town we can be proud of. We are grateful to our partner groups too for their assistance.

We are particularly pleased to have the support of some local businesses and groups. Jisp was there again with eight helpers; Alton Lions provided four and the Alton Herald sent a two-person team.

Alton Climate Action Network had a team of ten working hard in Anstey Park. Ashdell Residents’ Association and the Church Triangle Residents’ Association also took part.

Thanks go to Alton Town Council for providing us with the litter picks, rubbish bags and large waste bins for the bags of litter, and to Bottegas for providing a free cup of coffee to any volunteers who wanted one.

We collected 43 bin bags of dropped litter over the four-day period. Among the more bizarre items was a baby’s nappy wrapped around a lamp post and half a fire extinguisher. Only one litter picker was broken during this exercise!

Bob Booker (Alton Society)