Councillor picks up 22 rubbish bags while running

Gill Thomas collected 22 bags of rubbish while running a half marathon

A councillor has collected an average of 100 items of rubbish per mile, while running a half marathon.

Stroud District councillor Gill Thomas said she normally completes a half marathon in under two hours, but it took her twice as long while picking up litter on the way.

She used 22 bags to dispose of the items including a wig, a dirty nappy and underwear.

“The Stroud Half went amazingly well but it was extremely hard work,” Ms Thomas said. “It was much harder than running a normal half marathon.”

The Council spends £770,000 every year on clearing fly tipping, street sweeping, emptying bins and litter picking.

Littering is classed as anti-social behaviour and can result in a fine for those who commit it.

“Dropping litter is anti-social and bad for the environment – there is no excuse,” said Ms Thomas. “The council has more than 1,400 litter bins and empties them regularly. Anyone who finds a bin is full can report it on the council’s website.

“I’d like to thank everyone who cheered me on around the course, and our council officers who work hard to keep our district clean.”