Litter - Trowbridge Road

Location: Trowbridge Road, Southmead (section shown in photographs, including verge/hedge line and footway edge) Issue type: Accumulated litter / failure of routine street cleansing Description: I am reporting extensive and persistent litter along this section of Trowbridge Road. Litter is embedded in the verge, hedge line, and along the edge of the footway, indicating ongoing neglect rather than a one-off incident. This is a busy route, heavily used by residents and pedestrians due to its proximity to Arnside and nearby local services. The volume, spread, and ingrained nature of the litter suggest that routine street cleansing is not adequately addressing this location. The waste shown in the photographs includes packaging, bottles, and mixed debris trapped in vegetation and around street furniture, consistent with regular accumulation over time rather than recent dumping. Why this matters: High footfall area with regular pedestrian use. Persistent litter encourages further dumping and degrades the public environment. Embedded litter suggests inspection and cleansing are either infrequent or incomplete (e.g. footway only, not verges/edges). Statutory and policy context: Environmental Protection Act 1990, Section 89 – duty to keep relevant land clear of litter and refuse through effective routine cleansing. DEFRA Code of Practice on Litter and Refuse – requires authorities to prevent persistently unacceptable conditions and address litter accumulating between scheduled cleans, including in verges and hedge lines. Highways Act 1980, Sections 41 and 130 – duty to maintain highways and protect safe and unobstructed public use of footways and adjacent areas. Well-managed Highway Infrastructure: A Code of Practice – inspection and maintenance regimes must be effective in practice, not merely scheduled. What is requested: Thorough cleansing of this section of Trowbridge Road, including verges, hedge lines, and footway edges. Review of the cleansing frequency, as this location appears to require daily or near-daily attention due to usage and repeat littering. Confirmation of service ownership and responsibility to ensure the area is not repeatedly passed without action. Summary: This is a regularly occurring issue on a busy pedestrian route, not an isolated incident. Effective, routine cleansing is required to prevent continued deterioration of the street environment.