Whilst additional bins, increased street cleansing and more portaloos will be in place this weekend, the Council is calling on all residents and visitors to Plymouth to ‘do their part’, follow the COVID-19 safety rules and take their litter home.
With good weather expected, people will be out enjoying the sunshine and public spaces, taking part in outdoor activities together during the long weekend. The Council is prepared for the influx, however is urging people to follow the rules, stick to the rule of six, socially distance and take their litter home.
Additional bins have been installed around the Hoe and Barbican that will be emptied regularly. Clear signage has been put on the bins to ensure people know they can be used. Street cleansing has been increased, with officers working hard to respond to reports of fly tipping or broken glass.
Residents and visitors are being asked to support the Council and protect Plymouth, using the bins provided or by taking rubbish and recycling away if the bins are full.
In addition to the existing public toilets, portaloos have also been installed in high footfall areas. They will be emptied daily and cleaned three times a day.
We have also increased the number of hours that our COVID-19 Marshals will be out and about across the weekend. They will be engaging with visitors and open businesses, to help ensure that they understand the rules. And our Youth Team will be out interacting with young people, to help support on any emerging issues.
Supporting the Police, Council enforcement officers will also be on patrol. They will be keeping an eye out for those who flout the rules. This includes dropping litter or urinating on the street. Those who are caught – will be fined.
Ruth Harrell, Director of Public Health for Plymouth City Council, said: “We know that people will want to take advantage of the easing of lockdown restrictions and the warmer weather to visit places like the Hoe and Barbican.
"There’s cautious optimism as our focus remains on how we re-open the city in a safe way. But we all have to play our part to keep our city clean and welcoming. Unfortunately, as we saw at the end of the first lockdown, that means increased litter, and in a small number of cases, unacceptable anti-social behaviour.
“Over the past few days we have already seen images from parks and open spaces across the country that have been rammed with large groups of people not social distancing, leaving tonnes of litter and other unhygienic waste behind. We do not want this for Plymouth.
“There is absolutely no excuse for anyone to leave litter lying around.
“Our crews will be out playing their part, but we need you to play your part too. Don’t leave rubbish beside a bin that’s already full. Rubbish bags are easily pulled apart and then cause rubbish and health hazards. This waste could end up in the sea and harm our local wildlife. “
If you need to report broken glass or other litter, please go to www.plymouth.gov.uk/streetcareandcleaning. This is monitored seven days a week.