Hartlepool man takes to streets to keep town tidy

Mitch Wilson, who lives behind the A179, is picking up litter to put in his own bin.

Mitch Wilson, who lives at Clavering, has started a new Facebook group called Keep Hartlepool Tidy to shame the litter louts and put pressure on council chiefs.

Every day, he picks up a wide variety of glass and plastic bottles, crisp packets and other food wrappers from footpaths between Hart village and Easington Road.

Mr Wilson, aged, 64, of Alnwick Close, said: “For what we pay in council tax, it is a tip.

“I pick up litter every day of the week, 365 days of the year.

“I would like people to take photographs and put them on the Facebook page so the council can see and hopefully get some crews out to clear it all up.”

The dad of two, who also has three grandchildren, added: “Over the years I have complained about the litter in the area, but it is still a mess.”

The overflowing litter bin photographed by Mitch Wilson in November by the A179

Earlier in November, Mr Wilson, who is semi-retired, photographed an overflowing litter bin next to a footpath off the A179.

The council says combating litter is one of its top commitments and is asking people to be responsible with their waste.

A council spokesman said: “Keeping the town clean and tidy for both residents and visitors is one of our top priorities and we devote a significant level of resources to ensuring this is the case.

“The council has dedicated members of staff whose sole responsibility is to empty litter bins and dog foul bins, it has a fleet of mechanised street cleaning vehicles and a number of other employees regularly clear up  litter and other rubbish as part of their day-to-day duties.

“However, the council cannot do everything on its own and that is why we would call on people to support us by ensuring that they always dispose of their rubbish responsibly.

“We would also urge residents to act as our eyes and ears by reporting issues with litter and other rubbish on 01429 523333.”