Long Leys, like every community in the country, suffers from the modern scourge of people dropping litter….drink cans, crisp packets and discarded take away packaging …these and more turn up in all sorts of places, creating a hazard to wildlife as well as an unsightly mess. The COVID-19 pandemic has created additional problems to tackling this, as the LLRA’s 6-monthly organised litter picks have not been possible in 2020 or so far in 2021.
Fortunately, in this time we have also seen a big rise in public spirited individuals who, rather than see the community disappear in other people’s discarded waste, have taken it upon themselves to buy their own litter picker, grab some gloves and a rubbish bag and head out to help address the issue. LLRA would like to thank, on behalf of the whole Long Leys community, all those who have taken the time to help clean up our community.
To help provide some structure to future litter picking activities, and to prevent any risks or complications, LLRA offers guidance below to individual litter pickers. Please do give Long Leys litter pickers your support if you encounter them in action. And a message for those who thoughtlessly pollute our community: Please take your litter home or dispose of it in any waste bins provided. No one else should have to clean up after you!
Litter Picking Routes, Information and Hazards
For those interested, Lincoln has an informal group who share information about litter picking throughout the city via a Facebook group. See The Wombles of Lincoln Facebook Group for further information.
The map below shows the historic litter picking routes in Long Leys. With one exception these are either public roads, public footpaths, or public open space. The exception is route L7 which is a path that crosses Newt Hollow (land owned by Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust) and then Hobblers Hole. LLRA now has a management agreement to maintain the Hobblers hole section of path.
Ideally any litter picked should be immediately disposed of in a waste bin. When picking litter on a regular basis you may be able to arrange with one of our local businesses to use their waste bins. The city council will pick up larger quantities of picked litter by arrangement.
Whittons Park is covered by a contractor, who do a weekly safety check on the play equipment and then a monthly sweep of litter in the park.
The area to the north of the A46 underpass on Long Leys Road is a high-risk area to work in, due to the blind bend and high traffic speeds. LLRA would not advise anyone to work in this area although are aware of individuals who do. High visibility clothing is essential in this area.
The pull-in area by the A46 underpass regularly suffers from fly tipping. The city council do send contractors to clear the pull-in itself when dumped items are reported to them, but unfortunately discarded material gets distributed by the wind along a 100-metre section of verge and hedgerows either side. LLRA is exploring several solutions for this pull-in to prevent fly tipping, including whether it can be closed off with barriers, although progress on this has been frustratingly slow due to the number of different organisations involved.
Part of the area to the north of the Yarborough Road footpath (route L4) is private land rather than publicly accessible (top part of the Westcliffe Quarry area).
Risks to be considered when Litter picking
Basic equipment is a litter picker, gloves and a high vis vest with a few rubbish bags. Hoops can also be used to attach bags to to make picking easier.
| Hazard | Precautions |
|---|---|
| Personal Safety | If working alone, do let someone else know your route and your likely time of return. |
| Personal Injury; cuts and grazes | Do not wear open footwear. Watch out for slippery or icy paths and uneven surfaces in any undergrowth. Wear protective gloves. Always use litterpickers to collect rubbish –NEVER scoop up items with your hands or reach into vegetation to remove rubbish by hand. Broken glass should be put in a separate container rather than straight into the bag. NEVER handle dog poo, use appropriate equipment. Always be aware of cyclists, people and vehicles using the road and pathway. |
| Cuts and possible infection through contact with Sharps and Syringes | Individual finding syringes should not touch them, but contact the city council to arrange disposal Any accidental piercing by syringe should be immediately treated at medical practice or A & E. |
| Contact with Hazardous Chemicals | Any suspicious drums or containers with contents not identifiable to be left untouched and Environment Agency Pollution Hotline to be contacted (Tel 0800 80 70 60) |
| Lifting heavy items | Never try to move an item which could cause you a strain. Watch out for no sharp or rusted edges. |
| Weather | Wear suitable footwear and clothing for walking/working in rain and wind |
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