Concern as major gateway to Chesterfield identified as 'litter blackspot' - as the Derbyshire Times launches new campaign

The busy A617 from the M1 to the edge of Chesterfield, will be many visitors’ introduction to the town, and there is concern it needs a complete deep clean.

Litter pickers say it is one of the ‘litter blackspots’ Chesterfield people regularly report as needing a tidy up – and we are launching this campaign to urge residents to get behind litter pickers and take part in events to smarten up the town.

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Other areas of concern include parks where children have been gathering and leaving behind their rubbish, and outside schools where discarded face masks are blighting communities.

Chesterfield Litter Picking Group spokesperson Tracey Clifford said: “I’ve had people contact me about the A617 and if as a group we could get it cleared we’d love to – but it wouldn’t be safe.

"However, if the council were going to do it some of us in the group would be more than happy to help them, plus they would have all the safety measures in place.

"Outside schools we not only find litter but now a lot of disposable face coverings too.

“Sharley Park, in Clay Cross, and Queen’s Park have been particularly bad recently.

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"We would urge people to either take their rubbish home or dispose of it properly, it’s totally unfair to expect the council or other residents to clean up after them.

“We 100 per cent back the Derbyshire Times’ campaign encouraging people to Love Where you Live.”

Derbyshire County Council said dual carriageways like the A617 would be closed for litter picks each year.

"Once a year we close these roads for a short time and while we carry out a range of maintenance jobs, like mowing, hedge cutting, drain clearing, minor maintenance jobs, the district and boroughs are on site to litter pick,” a spokesperson said.

“This year this programme will start in mid-July, and will include the A617.

“It is always disappointing to see litter at the side of the roads, and we’d urge everyone to take their litter home and not through it out of their vehicle window.”

To get involved, visit the Chesterfield Litter Picking Group’s Facebook page.

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