Litter-picking group hails 'lamp-post bins' trial

The "lamp-post bins trial" has been hailed a success by the group in Peterborough

A voluntary litter-picking group celebrating its first anniversary said the introduction of its "lamp-post bins" had proved a success.

Peterborough Litter Wombles has collected nearly 3,000 bags of litter between June 2023 and May this year.

The group has tied 70 litter bags lamp-posts on selected pathways around the city in the absence of council-supplied bins.

But Harry Machin from the group said a more permanent solution across the city would help cut littering.

Harry Machin (l) called for more companies across the city to support and fund litter-picking and bins

The group has hundreds of members in its social media pages, with dozens of volunteers.

It piloted the installation of the lamp-post bags last year.

“The results dramatically exceeded our expectations, with an estimated 90% of litter being placed in the bags as opposed to littering the pathways.”, Mr Machin said.

The group said Peterborough needed more bins but was aware the council was unable to provide them due to ongoing funding pressures.

The group said it has also seen fly-tipping become a bigger problem over the past year.

Mr Machin said: “Council services have been cut to the bone.

“Voluntary groups like ours are stepping in to help with the workload, which is great to see.

“We have had a lot of companies offering to join a litter-pick, which is amazing.

“Maybe we need companies to start funding some bins across the city to fill in the gaps.”

Going forward, the group plans to “build on the momentum” it has achieved this year and hopes to “continue working closely with the council and other authorities”.

“A particular focus will be on increasing the coverage of bins on pathways across the city.”, The group said.

Peterborough City Council has been contacted for a comment.