MP Ben Howlett is calling upon Bath residents and businesses to do more to tackle the waste on the city’s streets and has launched a campaign titled “Bag it Better”.
Ben’s campaign has been triggered by a growing volume of correspondence from residents and visitors alike about the mess on the streets, caused by waste left out overnight in inappropriate bags.
He said: “We cannot continue to just blame seagulls or the Council for the mess on the city’s streets early in the morning on bin collection days.
“The vast majority of residents and businesses bag their waste responsibly, but a small number clearly need to improve their bagging and place it out in the morning, not evening, to help address this problem.
“I urge everyone to take responsibility for keeping Bath tidy and to use a gull proof bag where possible and to put out only on the morning of collection to reduce the mess on the city’s streets.
“The Council’s street cleaning team do a fantastic job – but should we really be reliant on others cleaning up after us, because a few cannot properly bag their waste and put it out at the right time?
“Similarly, if we know there are repeat offenders leaving waste out in inappropriate bags, at the wrong time – then please report it to the Council.
“I am encouraging the Council to take stronger action against residents and businesses who fail to bag their waste properly, or put it out at the wrong time.
“We live in one of the most beautiful cities in the world, and I very much hope we can all do our bit to keep Bath tidy, by bagging it better, putting waste out at the right time and encouraging our neighbours to do the same.
“The rubbish across the streets on bin collection day in Bath is awful and will ultimately discourage tourists and encourage more vermin and gulls to the city.
“We have to take responsibility for the problem and bag it better.”
