War declared on unsightly wheelie bins in Southport

Wheelie bins designed to help keep Southport tidy are causing an unsightly mess across the town in the run up to The Open golf tournament, campaigning councillor David Barton has revealed.

Cllr Barton has called on Sefton Council to work with businesses and residents to find ways of storing bins out of sight so that potential investors attracted by the tournament at Royal Birkdale in July won’t be put off by bins strewn around the streets.

He said that any solutions should be rolled out after the tournament ends to improve the first impression visitors get of the town is a good one.

Cllr Barton, who represents Dukes Ward, said he had already been contacted by residents and businesses regarding the storage of rubbish in unsightly wheelie bins in residential town side streets such as Hulme Street and Nelson Street.

He said: “As well as being unsightly, they are also an obstacle to pedestrians, senior citizens and passing cars, as they frequently roll into the road.

“I have conducted a site visit with residents and businesses to ascertain the best way forward, which included suggestions to utilise locked alleyways with only access to residents and landlords; adopting an alternative bin scheme altogether and working alongside neighbouring businesses who could store bins in their back yards as a goodwill gesture to the community.

“In light of The Open it is worth Sefton Council considering a long- term approach as Southport is being showcased to the rest of the world and this could be a true opportunity to attract much-needed investment across our resort seaside town.”

Cllr Barton urged landowners to get involved in supporting the community in this way.

He said: “Tidier areas will also help improve community relations for the long-term, benefitting the local night time economy and setting a good example for visitors and those living in the Southport neighbourhood as a whole to look after and maintain their environment.

“I strongly recommend residents that have private waste bins also contact their provider in the event that these can be more discreetly placed and/ or removed so as to maintain the tidiness and cleanliness of the area.

“I am very grateful to Sefton Council Cleansing Department for their continued assistance for all their support so far in trying to address and resolve this situation to get the best outcome for everyone and of course the residents who have directly contacted me for help.”