Smoking ban hits the streets

No butts about it — Oldham Council wants smokers to clean up their act.

Last year’s smoking ban has led to an increase in cigarette butts and other smoking litter on the streets.

And the Street Scene team says it makes up 80 per cent of all litter and is hard to pick up.

Now environmental protection officers are contacting businesses because a lot of the smoking litter is left outside by staff or customers.

Cabinet member for environment and infrastructure councillor Mark Alcock said: “The council wants everyone to take responsibility for dealing with the issue of cigarette litter.

“This includes those members of the public who drop the litter and business owners whose operations attract this kind of litter.

“Businesses have a duty to keep the area around their premises free of litter generated as a result of their operation.

“The council is simply asking everyone to do their bit.”

If persistent littering can be traced to a certain business, the council can issue a control notice to ensure the owner is made aware that it is their responsibility to keep the front of the premises plus a reasonable distance either side clear of litter.

Dave Hilton, chairman of the Oldham Town Centre Pub and Club Watch said: “Many responsible licensees already regularly sweep outside.

“I would encourage all business owners to do the same and play their part in keeping the town clean.”