Photos show rubbish dumped across countryside as lockdown measures eased

Residents and councillors have expressed their anger after thousands of pieces of litter were abandoned in the district's parks.
Pictures taken this weekend show litter in parks and beauty spots across the district. Photos, clockwise from top left: Darren Williams, Sue Billcliffe and Michael Shenton.Pictures taken this weekend show litter in parks and beauty spots across the district. Photos, clockwise from top left: Darren Williams, Sue Billcliffe and Michael Shenton.
Pictures taken this weekend show litter in parks and beauty spots across the district. Photos, clockwise from top left: Darren Williams, Sue Billcliffe and Michael Shenton.

Pictures taken this weekend show litter in parks and beauty spots across the district, including Pontefract Park, Horbury Lagoon and Wintersett Reservoir.

Darren Williams, who took photos of the litter at Horbury Lagoon last week, said that rubbish had always been an issue in the area, but hot weather and the gradual relaxation of lockdown rules had caused the problem to get worse.

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He said: "This litter problem is a bit of a bug bear of mine. I've been involved with it for years.

"It's a constant problem down there, it always happens down the Lagoon.

"You don't get any mess on the Wakefield side, but on the Horbury side is just constant. It's really annoying.

"I don't know how there hasn't been a fire on the motorway embankment. If they do get a fire there, you wouldn't be able to get to the bottom of the embankment."

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Speaking last year, Councillor Maureen Cummings, Wakefield Council’s cabinet member for environment and communities, said that the council spent £2.7 million a year cleaning up litter.

Coun Cummings, who represents the Crofton, Ryhill & Walton ward to the south east of the city, also shared her frustration after being sent photos of litter in public spaces.

In a Facebook post, she said: "Once again people think its fine to leave our lovely countryside in this state, its not just discarding rubbish by the bins but just walking away from the rubbish left on the grass, this is disgusting behaviour.

"Would you leave your own property in this state? No would be the answer. Then why leave public land in this state? The land is there for everyone to enjoy, be mindful of others and take your litter home."