In an effort to combat litter problems in Priory Park over the summer months, Reigate & Banstead Borough Council has employed a new litter ranger.
Matt Donn has joined the existing team of three grounds maintenance staff who are based in the park full time, and will be on patrol until October.
As well as making the park litter free, Matt and other colleagues also have the power to issue £50 on the spot fines (known as a Fixed Penalty Notice) to anyone they catch littering the park.
As part of the Priory Park Restoration Project, 15 new litter bins and seven new dog waste bins were installed on the site, which means that there are around 30 bins throughout the park, including in the woodland area. In addition, more recycling bins and three large wheelie bins have also been installed. Despite this, littering in Priory Park continues to be a real issue, particularly in the summer months.
Cllr Julian Ellacott, Executive Member for Environment, said:
“We are making every effort to keep Priory Park clean and safe for visitors and most people are responsible about their litter. Unfortunately, there is a minority who think it is acceptable to leave their litter for others to clear up and do not consider the dangers it can cause to other park users, particularly young children, and park wildlife.
“People should remember three things – first, littering is against the law and you can end up with a hefty fine if you are caught. Second, although we have provided lots of bins they will never be enough for everyone’s rubbish – therefore please take your rubbish home with you if you can. Third, the more rubbish and litter left in the park, the more work the Council has to do to tidy it up – costing residents money through their Council tax.”
Matt and his colleagues start their day in the park at 7.30am. Their first job is to clear the litter from the popular areas like the children’s playground and skate park. If necessary they are assisted first thing in the morning by other grounds maintenance staff before they start their other duties. The sand in the children’s playground is raked over and checked for debris and all the litter bins across the site are emptied. Further litter picks are carried out across the park throughout the day and the litter bins are emptied again before staff end their day.
Cllr Ellacott, added:
“If you spot broken glass in the park, particularly in the children’s playground or skate park, please report it to the park office straight away so that it can be cleared away as soon as possible.”
The out of hours number to call is 01737 242 179, if the park office (located within the Pavilion) is closed.
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