The blight of cigarette litter is being targeted in Richmondshire.
A special ‘wheelie bin vacuum’ is being used to clean the streets of Hawes and Leyburn.
The machines have been used in Hambleton for some time – especially to clean up after smokers.
“Lots of people come into the Yorkshire Dales every day, but many of them go home having left their rubbish behind,” said Street Scene Manager, John Proud.
“These new vacuum cleaners are valuable tools to cleaning up this type of litter – ideal for removing waste from areas unreachable by other means.
“Reusable personal portable ashtrays are widely available and if used, can prevent the issue of a £75 fixed penalty notice. But we don’t want to be using these vacuum cleaners or issuing tickets – our resources could be used much better. We need people to understand the problems they are creating - smokers cannot use the streets as ashtrays even thought they have done for years.
“Businesses can also help by being responsible for litter around their premises and ensuring that smoking litter bins are provided and are emptied frequently.”
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