Take a walk down Bromley high street and you will quickly notice that litter disposal is evolving, with sleek new oval shape bins, ash trays nesting on top, dotted across the town centre. The bins, known as the “Evolution”, have so far proved an encouraging success - prompting the Council to invest £25,000 in securing 100 extra units to smaller town centres across the borough. The ash tray feature has meant an encouraging reduction in the amount of cigarette ends dropped on the high street. Smokers are reminded, however, that dropping cigarettes is technically a litter offence that can result in a fine of up to £80.
“We anticipated that after the public smoking ban came into force, there would be an increase in the amount of cigarette butts dropped on the floor. The new bins were brought in to facilitate this rise. However, it is a challenging task. Some smokers continue to drop their used cigarettes on the ground. We realise that it is easy to do this without thinking, but that doesn’t make it acceptable. We ask that smokers co-operate and help us to look after Bromley’s streets. On the other hand, we are pleased that the bins have been a success and we’d like to thank smokers who’ve made use of them”, said Councillor Smith, Executive Councillor for Environment and Leisure.
The new bins are a development in that they have an ashtray on the top, making it simple for smokers to dispose of used cigarettes. They are also sturdy and robust with vandal-proof features. However, with their ergonomic shape they fit in neatly with the surrounding environment. Maintained and serviced throughout the day by Bromley’s street cleansing contractor, Kier, they are always easy to use and accessible.
The second wave of these bins, which will be introduced this autumn, will be installed in the following locations:
- Station Approach, Hayes
- Petts Wood (Queensway/Station Square)
- Biggin Hill, Main Road
- Chislehurst High Street
- Orpington High Street
Steps have also been taken to ‘hoover-up’ cigarette ends around Bromley town centre in the war against litter droppers. New hoover units have been attached to street sweepers barrows, who clean the high street on a daily basis, to enable them to pick up butts in those hard to reach areas.
The Council’s street services team are responsible for the new bins and are the people who ensure Bromley’s streets are clean seven days a week, from morning till night. They manage contractors who maintain roads, clean streets and collect waste, thereby ensuring that Bromley is a more pleasant environment to live and work in. The team is always open to suggestions and comments so if you want to get in touch do not hesitate to visit www.bromley.gov.uk/neatstreet or telephone 020 8313 4621.
ENDS
For media enquiries:
Please contact Andrew Rogers, Communications Advisor on 020 8461 7670, or email andrew.rogers@bromley.gov.uk
Further information is available at www.bromley.gov.uk