Calls to make unemployed people collect litter

Walsall litter pickers were pictured with what they collected in Mill Street, Blakenall

Calls have been made for unemployed people to help pick up litter dumped on the streets of Walsall.

Darlaston South councillor Paul Bott said those who were not working or in training should do their bit to help create better communities, instead of relying on volunteers.

But Gary Flint, Walsall Council's portfolio holder for wellbeing, leisure and public spaces said people have various reasons for being out of work, including medical conditions.

More than 11,000 bags of litter were collected in 2023 from roads in Walsall.

Some members of the economy and environment overview and scrutiny committee said tougher punishments for litterbugs were needed, as well as improved education.

Mr Bott, who thanked volunteers, said: "There are that many people walking the streets unemployed. They go and get the money and provide nothing back to society.

"When they start targeting these people who are unemployed to go and pick litter on these streets, instead of relying on volunteers, we might have better communities.

"There should be a programme if you are unemployed or not training you go out and go and help communities."

'More support'

But Mr Flint said that making people out of work do anything was above the legislation the committee has at its disposal.

The Salvation Army, which helps thousands into jobs through its Employment Plus service, said it knew many people "who rely on our food banks and shelters are desperate to work and lift themselves out of poverty".

Nick Read, deputy director of employment services, said: "To tackle unemployment, rather than shaming people who are struggling, there should be more support for those who are locked out of the job market because they lack training or life skills, have mental health problems, have a disability or because they are homeless."

This news was gathered by the Local Democracy Reporting Service which covers councils and other public service organisations.