'Frustration' over litter (From Gazette Series)

'Frustration' over litter

WOTTON Town Council has received a complaint regarding the state of the town but the council says it is doing its best.

The letter, from a resident of Tabernacle Road, complains of a litter problem, particularly in the civic centre car park, overgrown shrubs and blocked drains.

But Cllr Chris Galbraith, chairman, told members that they are only responsible for the car park and other work should be carried out by Stroud District Council.

"We are responsible for the car park and we do our best by cleaning it once a day. What happens is that if you come in early, people who use the path from the takeaway, throw the wrappers on the floor," he said. Cllr Geoff Keen said: "If you have litter bins, there is no guarantee that people will use it. It is a very sad state of affairs but we can't force people to use them."

Cllr Janet Walshe added; 'I agree with the letter. I think we are all coming from the same place on this. We know we aren't happy with Stroud District and the service we get. He wants to be proud of Wotton and he is frustrated about it."

Another problem highlighted in the letter was Tabernacle Road. Cllr Gareth Kitchen told councillors: "Tabernacle Road is down to be cleaned every six to eight weeks and this hasn't been happening.

There is a feeling that the frequency is not being kept to. Stroud District Council say they are coming but it is difficult to categorically say that they aren't coming."

Cllr June Cordwell, a representative for Wotton on the district council asked the council to tell the district council Scrutiny committee if they had real concerns about the lack of cleaning.

She said: "If you have any concrete evidence that things are not being done, write a letter to the scrutiny committee. We are scrutinising the services we are receiving from the company."

Aded Cllr Paul Smith: "If evidence is only hearsay, it doesn't have a lot of weight. If we put it in writing, it has a lot of weight."

Cllr Walshe added: "I still wish the town council could employ somebody. I am sure that is the answer."