5th July 2007, 07/218
Stub it out correctly with innovative pocket
ashtray
'We're taking no butts' is the message from West Lancashire
District Council as it targets smokers by handing out innovative
pocket cigarette pouches.
In light of the new smoking legislation which saw all enclosed
public places and workplaces become smoke free on 1st July,
including licensed premises, it is envisaged that people will go
outside to light up.
So to deal with the possibility of more people discarding unsightly
cigarette stubs the Council has purchased pocket ashtrays to give
away in a bid to stamp out this burning problem.
This initiative was first trialled last year and was such a
resounding success that the Council is doing it again to coincide
with the new legislation.
Smokers will be encouraged to act responsibly and use the small
pouches so they don't throw their butts on the floor but store the
used ends in them to put into a bin.
They are small enough to fit in your pocket to be carried around
anywhere. They have also been made to ensure that no heat or odour
can escape and are biodegradable.
Cllr John Baldock, Portfolio Holder for Environment, said:
"Discarded cigarette butts are unsightly and difficult to clean up
and we have already been taking action against numerous people who
have been caught throwing them on the floor. Last year we purchased
these innovative pouches, which were really popular so we quickly
ran out. So in light of the smoke free legislation we thought it
would be good to run this initiative again to both help smokers and
to rid our streets of this type of litter at the same time. By
picking up a free pouch it is an easy way of cleaning the district
and saving money - because it could cost you £75 if you are seen
discarding butts by our enforcement officers and are issued with a
fixed penalty notice."
The Street Scene Officers will be giving away the pouches during
busy market days in Ormskirk town centre, you can also order them
online through the website by visiting the Refuse and Recycling
section. They are also available from the Council's reception areas
at 52 Derby Street, Ormskirk; The Investment Centre, Whitemoss; and
the Customer Service Point in the Concourse, Skelmersdale.
For more information about what the Council is doing to combat
litter, visit the Refuse and Recycling section.
Related information
> Council
news
> Recycling
> Street
cleaning
> Smokefree