Residents urged to help keep Sheffield ‘beautiful’ as litter problems worsen in lockdown

Coun Shaffaq Mohammed, leader of Sheffield Liberal Democrats and councillor for Ecclesall, believes scenes during the second national lockdown are echoing those seen in the summer when litter was constantly left behind by visitor’s to the city’s parks.

He said this time around, more takeaway cartons and cups are amongst the rubbish.

Areas highlighted as having increasing problems include Endcliffe Park, Bingham Park and Whiteley Woods, and along Porter Brook.

Coun Mohammed said: “It’s a very beautiful part of the city, please help us keep it beautiful.”

With the national lockdown being in place until early December, the uncertainty of what will happen next, and people still needing their exercise, it is a problem that he feels needs to be addressed.

Coun Mohammed added: “During the summer, it suffered quite badly. There were so many people. Many people were having barbecues, there were problems with social distancing and bins were full.”

He believes people are tending not to stay in one spot compared to in the summer, instead ‘dropping it everywhere’ as they walk.

He added that people appear to be ignoring a pop up coffee shop in Bingham Park that displayed a notice asking customers to use the bins or take their rubbish home with them.

Coun Mohammed, who took part in litter picking in the summer, previously suggested that there was a need for more bins.

Pop up bins were introduced in the summer and are hoped to be introduced again in the spring.

In these confusing and worrying times, local journalism is more vital than ever. Thanks to everyone who helps us ask the questions that matter by taking out a digital subscription or buying a paper. We stand together. Nancy Fielder, editor.