Ludlow scouts first to get new police badge

Ludlow scouts are celebrating after being the first to get a brand new Scouts Community Badge from West Mercia Police, with support from Shropshire Council’s environmental maintenance team in south west Shropshire.

At the invitation of PC Dan Wood, the town’s local policing officer, the Ludlow First Scout Troop looked at the community issues facing Ludlow town, and chose to promote the use of the public litter bins to reduce littering.

Two successful litter picks around the town resulted in 12 bags full of general litter, including part of a car exhaust!  These were displayed in the town square as part of a promotional stand on Saturday 18 June 2011.

The council’s street cleaner was asked not to collect general litter on Saturday morning in time for the litter pick so the public could see the quantity of litter removed each day.  This contrasted with a map showing the council-maintained public litterbins where litter could have been put instead – not to mention the bins provided by individual stores and traders.

Visitors to the stand voted for the best anti-litter poster designed by the youngsters, and a prize will be awarded to the winner.  The eye-catching posters showed the detrimental effects of littering, including endangering animals’ lives and untidiness.

Councillor Martin Bennett, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member responsible for street cleaning, said:

“It’s very good to see our young citizens taking an active part in keeping their streets clean and tidy.  I would like to thank them for their hard work, which has made a real difference to Ludlow.

“Complaints from the public about litter are very close to the top of most councillors’ problem list, and I am pleased that we have been able to support the scouts in their efforts, to gently encourage everyone to use the bins provided.”

Rosanna Taylor-Smith, Shropshire Councillor for Ludlow North, said:

“The scouts did a great job picking up litter and have set a good example to everyone by volunteering to help keep Ludlow looking its best.  I look forward to awarding a prize to the winner of the best poster.”

To report a problem with dog fouling, flytipping, graffiti, flyposting or litter in your area call 0345 678 9006, or alternatively report a problem online