Litter, litter and more litter - but volunteers step in

Demands have been made for better refuse services in public areas after parts of Newtown were left with overflowing pubic bins and litter strewn over paths and roads.

Cllr Joy Jones was one of the first to pick up on the issue after coming across overflowing litter bins at the Gravel car park over thew weekend.

She said: "This was Newtown car park. It was a disgrace. I emailed PCC yesterday. So I have been assured this was cleaned this morning (Monday).

"There were problems at the depot at the weekend which prevented them emptying the bins. I have asked they issue a public apology. They have told me it shouldn't happen again. I have no further details."

The area, used by visitors and travellers passing through the town is close to the riverside walk.

At the same time, volunteers and workers from Powys Recycles, Open Newtown, the town council, McDonald's and others took part in a litter picking campaign in the same area to prevent litter from getting into the River Severn.

Stuart Owen of Open Newtown said: "Fair play to McDonalds who lent us four staff this afternoon and along with the Mayor of Newtown and volunteers from the waste depot and office in Newtown and Keep Wales Tidy in Powys we removed over eight bags of litter from the banks of the River Severn in Newtown."

It comes as Keep Wales Tidy and Powys County Council last week launched a litter picking volunteer scheme at Newtown Library. Volunteers can pick up litter picking sticks and bags and help clear litter from parts of the town.

Main photo courtesy of Stuart Owen and litter bin photo courtesy of Cllr Joy Jones