A 14-strong group of litter pickers took part in an organised clean-up event at Highbridge’s Apex Park on Wednesday (March 14th).
The litter clean was held at Apex Park as part of a nationwide campaign from Keep Britain Tidy called the Great British Spring Clean.
In just two hours, the group collected 20 bags of rubbish that included several unusual items.
“These included a bicycle, a 20ft-long aluminium scaffolding pole, helmets, a DVD still in its case, an old ‘Somerfield’ plastic carrier bag with a mussel attached to it, an old lifebelt, a traffic cone and a plastic bag for bread dating back to 2016!” says spokeswoman Claire Faun.
“Also found were many filled dog poo bags that had been thrown into the trees and were hanging off branches. Our message to dog walkers is to please use the numerous dog bins around Apex Park or place bags in any litterbin.”
“Unfortunately, most of the rubbish was drinks cans and plastic. The pickers found lots of coffee cup lids, crisp packets, sweet wrappers, plastic bottles as well as plastic can ring holders.”
“These ring holders can take from 100 – 450 years to decompose and can cause injury as well as death to wildlife. Crisp packets can take up to 75-80 years to decompose due to many packets being made from a ‘metallised’ plastic film. Aluminium drinks cans take around 200 years to decompose and plastic bottles can take around 500 years.”
The Friends of Apex Park Improvements Group joined forces with Sedgemoor Model Boat Club and Parkview National Autistic Society in Burnham for the event, along with members of the public.
