AS a newcomer to the Forest I write with some caution about the way things are done here. However, I feel bound to ask why it is that the 'Tidy Britain' campaign has so little impact here?
In most counties April is the month for clearing litter from village pavements and roadside verges. This is undertaken on a voluntary basis and is usually organised by parish councils. Here in Viney Hill the parish council is invisible and a lack of public noticeboards means that local information is difficult, if not impossible, to communicate.
The decay of vegetation over the winter months reveals that many grass verges throughout the area contain a variety of drinks cans, crisp packets, plastic bottles, cigarette packets etc, all thoughtlessly discarded by passers-by.
Litter is an unappealing sight as well as being a hazard to wildlife. Animals can choke on plastic bags, small mammals can be trapped in tin cans and feet can be cut by broken glass!
Since the Forest is a major tourist attraction, surely some attention to detail might be beneficial in creating a more pleasant atmosphere for visitors and residents alike. – Michael E. Bramwell, Viney Hill.