Newtown businesses to bin cigarette litter

Businesses in Newtown have joined forces with the Powys Community Safety Partnership (CSP) to tackle cigarette-related litter in the town.

The CSP have purchased 136 cigarette bins, thanks to grant funding from the Welsh Assembly Government's Tidy Towns initiative, and will distribute them to businesses within the boundaries of Newtown town centre.

The bins, which will go to pubs, restaurants, clubs, bookmakers, shopping precincts and office buildings, will aid local businesses in keeping cigarette-related litter to a minimum.

The bins will be attached to the exterior of a premise and will also have an A4-sized window which partners of the CSP can utilise to advertise crime reduction and other important messages to the local community.

Cllr Graham Brown, Chairman of the CSP, said: "There has been a dramatic increase in the amount of cigarette-related litter outside many premises since the introduction of the smoking ban in 2007.  Litter is one of the most common forms of 'envirocrime' and also has significant negative implications for our economy through tourism and inwards investment.

"This initiative will undoubtedly produce yet more success in tacking an issue which, if not dealt with appropriately, can provoke annoyance in the communities, effecting their pride and enjoyment in the local environment.  It will also provide a resource for local businesses to support them in meeting their local responsibilities."