A PARISH council has urged the public to behave responsibly and take rubbish home as beauty spots become littered as lockdown restrictions ease.

Following the Government announcement, people can now meet in groups of six, as long as its in an outdoor space and they adhere to social distancing measures.

As locals spent last weekend enjoying the sunshine in beauty spots, several images of dumped rubbish were posted on social media and councils put out a plea for residents to respect the areas.

A spokesman for Doddington Parish Council said: “We know that some kind-hearted residents try to clear open spaces early in mornings when they are out at allotments or walking dogs. We are grateful for this but why should they and our staff be putting themselves at risk for the sake of a few irresponsible individuals that can’t take rubbish home?

“We are in unprecedented times and one thing that can cheer us up is the weather, and that we are now allowed to meet in groups of up to six people outside. What isn’t such good news for Dodington Parish Council and other local councils across the country, is when people don’t behave responsibly.

“Our public open spaces have been inundated this weekend as the litter in our images demonstrates only too well.

“We have increased the frequency of emptying the litter bins that we are responsible for, however, we are struggling to keep on top of the mess.

“As such we would urge people, if the bin is full, please take your litter home and don’t leave it beside the bin. It only gets strewn across the park by wind and animals and becomes an eyesore and a health hazard and a fire risk.

“Some people are being allowed to venture outside for the first time in 10 weeks, and we don’t want their first impressions of our open spaces to be one of dereliction, so please, as well as staying safe and respecting others, take your litter home.”

If you would like to report any litter in Doddington parish, contact South Gloucestershire Council on 01454 866546 or email clerk@dodingtonpc.org.uk