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Sutton Bridge Wombles ‘gobsmacked’ after being asked not to litter pick Long Sutton laybys for two months after issue over bins




Two volunteers who give up their weekends to litter pick along the A17 say they are ‘gobsmacked’ after being told to stop looking after two major laybys.

Andy Tilley and Deanne Gough collect more than 100 bags of rubbish each week by clearing eight sites along the stretch of the A17 between Sutton Bridge and Long Sutton.

But the couple will no longer be caring for the large laybys near the McDonald’s and BP roundabout in Long Sutton plus their tyre bins are going to be removed from the laybys.

Deanne Gough and Andy Tilley are the Sutton Bridge Wombles
Deanne Gough and Andy Tilley are the Sutton Bridge Wombles

Andy and Deanne, who are known as the Sutton Bridge Wombles, have been asked to no longer care for those sites by South Holland District Council — which is removing the tyres — for a two month trial following concerns over the makeshift bins.

The wombles have been praised by Coun John Clarey, chairman of Long Sutton Parish Council - which had asked for proper bins as it feels the district council could do more for the town but stresses that it did not wish to deter the volunteers.

Deanne, who has been litter picking for five years, said: “With the amount of litter we were picking up from there - in two months time those laybys are going to be like a tip.

The Sutton Bridge Wombles
The Sutton Bridge Wombles

“In two months time they can think again if they expect us to put right their mistake.

“They should have appreciated and be grateful for what we were doing in our free time.

“We were completely gobsmacked and taken aback.”

Hundreds of rubbish bags are filled daily and weekly
Hundreds of rubbish bags are filled daily and weekly

Andy and Deanne have collected 4,096 bags of rubbish, travelled 1,660 miles and given 868 hours of their time over the past 12 months along the A17.

The pair regularly endure abuse - and rubbish - hurled at them by passing motorists, need knowledge of how to deal with vermin - and up-to-date tetanus injections as thanks for their community service.

And it is not just the usual litter of cans and food wrappers that the couple are having to deal with. They are also finding an array of sex toys - including fake breasts - which have been dumped around the laybys. They have also found a 21-year-old crisp packet.

Another area that the Wombles have tidied up recently
Another area that the Wombles have tidied up recently

They have also cut the grass along with trimming trees to ensure the area is looking tidy - and are often alerted to overflowing bins by friends.

Deanne and Andy were presented last year with a community award during an event arranged and sponsored by Sutton Bridge councillors Michael Booth and Chris Brewis.

Both councillors were called to a meeting at the district council’s offices in West Marsh Road last week when an agreement was made for the couple not to litter pick those laybys for two months and for the tyre bins to be removed.

Coun Booth said there had been a complaint about the tyre bins and a request for the district council to provide litter bins as it used to.

He said: “I feel it it is disgusting, we have two people who are giving up their time and weekends to do it.

“We should be encouraging people to do these things not discouraging them.”

Coun Clarey has praised the Wombles for doing a ‘fantastic job’ but is concerned about the health and safety of Deanne and Andy.

He added that in the middle of last year, the parish council had requested proper bins in those laybys. Coun Clarey also feels the bins should be emptied by the district council because it has insurance to do so.

Coun Clarey said: “We have been supportive of them and think they should be looked after better. They shouldn’t be emptying those bins. They do a fantastic job.

“I do think that Long Sutton and Sutton Bridge are not looked after very well by South Holland District Council or Lincolnshire County Council.”

A spokesperson from the South Holland District Council said: “We received some concerns relating to the safety of tyre litter bins installed in lay-bys in the Long Sutton area.

“These tyres are considered a risk to the public highway, they are also difficult to service and empty. We have been in contact with the Wombles, and have offered our support to replace these with more suitable containers.”

What do you think? Let us know your views in the comments below…



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