Hartington residents launch crackdown on litter and dog fouling over growing public health concerns

A community volunteer group is raising serious concerns about the risks to human and animal health from people failing to dispose of their waste properly.

During a recent litter pick, teams filled 14 sacks in 24 hours from just one stretch of the B5054, which runs from the A515 Buxton to Ashbourne Road.

Spokesman Keith Quine said: “While much of the litter is historical, sadly there is plenty of evidence of recent littering. The vast bulk of rubbish is discarded drink cans, plastic bottles and crisp packets, though a mobile phone, fire extinguisher, two right foot walking boots, many broken bottles, discarded tyres and other vehicle parts were also collected.

“There is rightly concern amongst the community that once lockdown is lifted, the village will see a surge in visitor numbers, like it experienced in-between restrictions last year, and that sadly this will be an ongoing issue. We are politely pleading with people to please think about the countryside and the residents who live there during their next visit, and to take their litter home.”

In response, the group has erected emotive signs along the roadside. One asks: “Why are you tossing your litter around here?” Others respond with “I’m lazy, I don’t care about the community, I think other people should pay to clean up after me.

The verges the B5054 – the main thoroughfare through the village – bore the greatest concentration of litter, but surrounding roads near popular walking routes including Leisure Lane, Reynards Lane and Long Dale were also unpleasant have also been badly affected.

Keith said: “Apart from the litter and dog faeces detracting from the appearance of our environment, there is a significant health hazard to both domestic and wild animals as well as to children.

“Dog mess can lead to parvo, a potentially fatal disease transferred between dogs, and toxocariasis in humans, which can result in seizures, stomach upsets, sore throats, breathing difficulties such as asthma, and even permanent blindness.”

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