VOLUNTEER litter pickers in a rural community, disheartened by inconsiderate rubbish-droppers, have been moved to petition Monmouthshire County Council who they claim are apathetic toward combating the blight of littering.

Crucorney Environmental Group have drafted a letter to Councillor Jane Pratt, chair of the authority’s strong communities select committee, whose responsibilities cover improving the Council’s links with the voluntary sector.

Team member, Andrea Jackman and fellow volunteers are calling on the council to improve signage, launch anti-littering education initiatives and advertising campaigns and provide more litter bins in the worst-affected areas.

She stated in the letter, ‘As a volunteer I do not mind giving my time and energy to this worthwhile cause, however I am beginning to feel that our relationship with the council is somewhat one-sided.

‘The real cost of this problem is huge, both in financial and environmental terms.

‘Furthermore, Monmouthshire contains many areas of beautiful rural countryside, including a large part of a national park which deserves special attention in itself.

‘There is no prominent signage or information when you enter the national park to tell visitors to help maintain the natural beauty of the place. We would like to see this addressed.’

Petitioners have itemised steps they would like the Council to take, including:

A publicity campaign to raise public awareness of the menace caused by littering.

Traffic wardens/CSOs given powers to enforce fixed penalties for litter offences.

More posters and signs aimed at discouraging littering, especially in rural areas.

A name and shame strategy to expose offenders who are caught.

More litter bins in all areas.