Quote:
Originally Posted by katex
Just following on from your thread Cashy re. this issue, did E-mail HBC to ask them why they have disposed of the ash trays in the town centre .. so far no reply !! and don't expect to get one now. It's their duty to reply if only out of politeness...  |
Well, just got a reply as follows:-
'Dear Kate,
Sorry for the delay in responding to your question.
The problem of cigarette litter has grown significantly since the implementation of the recent smoking ban and the Council is looking at the best way to tackle it.
Unfortunately, it is not as simple as erecting lots of 'ash trays' around the town centres. As there are many issues surrounding ownerships of shop walls, planning issues surrounding what materials can be erected not that Broadway street furniture is all stainless steel, the cost of ash trays in this material is extremely high.
Not withstanding that, Enforcement officers are working with local business to provide suitable receptacles for their staff, (many of who are responsible for the litter). Police Community Officers are handing out on the spot fines to people dropping litter. In addition, my street cleansing department has just purchased a new piece of equipment to help suck up this type of litter and you have noticed various displays on Council vehicles trying to educated residents of the problems litter causes.
I hope this shows that we are tackling the issue and hope you see improvements over the coming year.'
Yours sincerely
S Riley
Waste Services Manager
Suppose one way of looking at it is, with this new machine, easier to suck it up off the floor, rather than empty an ash tray . ? So carry on with your little portables folks and don't get caught.