Council teams up with McDonald’s to clean up Carmarthenshire

THE council has teamed up with McDonald’s to tackle fast food litter.

Officers visited the restaurant in Llanelli’s Parc Trostre to encourage people to dispose of their rubbish more responsibly.

Figures show that fast food litter such as chip wrappers, crisp packets, drinks cartons and half eaten food can be found on 20% of streets in Carmarthenshire.

Now a campaign has been launched to clean up the county and remind people that if they are caught dropping litter they can be fined £75 or more if prosecuted in court.

Executive Board Member for Environmental and Public Protection Cllr Jim Jones said: “I am delighted that McDonald’s have agreed to support our campaign to tackle fast-food litter. It is important that we work together if we are to make a difference to the environment in which we live. We all have a responsibility to dispose of our rubbish carefully and those that don’t risk getting fined. Our enforcement officers regularly carry out patrols across the county and they have fined people for dropping litter in McDonald’s car parks. We will continue to target these areas and fine those that flout the law in this way.”

Council officers went along to the Llanelli restaurant to speak to customers and put up posters. A free prize draw was also held to win iTunes vouchers. They also visited McDonald’s restaurants in Carmarthen and Cross Hands.

Llanelli McDonald’s Business Manager Ann Jones said: “As a company, we are working hard to tackle litter in our communities. Every restaurant conducts at least three litter patrols a day in the surrounding area, collecting all the litter that they find. Unfortunately there is still a significant proportion of people who think it’s acceptable to drop litter – it’s everyone’s responsibility and we are pleased to support the council in this initiative to generate awareness of the issue, educate those people on how to dispose of rubbish properly and encourage them to be more responsible.”

On average the council removes 40 tonnes of litter every week in Carmarthenshire costing over £2.2 million per year. Not only does litter take years to break down, but it spoils the appearance of an area and attracts rats.

Cllr Jones added: “We are determined to clean up Carmarthenshire for both residents and visitors.”

CAPTION: Pictured at McDonald’s in Llanelli are Executive Board Member for Environmental and Public Protection Cllr Jim Jones, council officers Diane Phillips and Karen Fulham, work experience student Josh Jones, Tidy Towns cleansing operatives Brian Mogford and Dorian Lee, and McDonalds staff Antony Rees, Rachel Stardden, Nadia Fuller, Ffion Mills and Alison Thomas.

Picture: Jeff Connell.