Rebecca Paul, the Parliamentary Candidate for Reigate, recently took a significant step towards community engagement by visiting and expressing gratitude to a group of dedicated volunteers who have been diligently litter picking in the area. Lindsey von Backström, Sharon Cranfield, and Lisa Davies were among the volunteers who joined Rebecca for a discussion over coffee, focusing on the persistent issue of litter in the community.
These committed individuals, along with numerous other local residents, have played a pivotal role in maintaining the cleanliness of the villages. Their efforts are easily recognisable by the vibrant yellow high-visibility vests they wear and the purple bags they carry while scouring the area for litter.
Litter has been a persistent problem plaguing the region, ranging from takeaway wrappers irresponsibly tossed out of car windows on the A217 to the appalling practice of dog owners leaving their pet waste bags hanging on tree branches. Rebecca emphasised the necessity of addressing this issue through both education and enforcement. During the meeting, various constructive ideas were exchanged, which Rebecca expressed a keen interest in exploring further.
In a post to her Facebook page, Rebecca highlighted several critical points for the community to consider:
Firstly, litter isn't merely an eyesore; it poses significant threats to wildlife, often resulting in injuries and fatalities among local fauna.
Secondly, the unsightly act of dog walkers leaving their pet waste bags hanging on trees is not only repulsive but also entirely unnecessary. Dog waste bags can easily be disposed of in regular litter bins, and Rebecca urged residents to adhere to this practice.
Thirdly, instilling environmental stewardship values in children from a young age is paramount. By teaching them about the importance of preserving their natural surroundings, communities can foster responsible habits that will benefit the environment in the long term.
Lastly, Rebecca introduced a valuable resource to the community in the form of the Litter Lotto app (https://litterlotto.com), which incentivises responsible waste disposal by offering prizes for participating individuals.
Rebecca expressed her sincere appreciation for everyone contributing to the cleanliness of the villages, particularly the dedicated litter pickers who tirelessly work regardless of the weather conditions. Their commitment serves as a testament to the power of community engagement in addressing local challenges and fostering a cleaner, healthier environment for all residents.
