Sallagh Park community unites to fight litter issue

Larne Council has teamed up with the Sallagh Park Community Association, the PSNI, Larne High School, and local traders to look at new ways of dealing with the problem.

Leading the charge is Councillor Drew Niblock, who set up a meeting between the various stakeholders to discuss the best way forward.

He told the Larne Times: “Those in attendance reflected upon their own observations and sought to identify ways to reduce the visual impact of litter in Larne, with particular emphasis on the area in and around Sallagh Park. There was broad agreement that working together and opening up lines of communication would help convey the message that litter is not acceptable.

“It was also agreed that as responsible citizens who take pride in our local area, it was our duty and that of the wider community to tackle the problem of litter head-on using all available means.”

Each of the interested parties decided to undertake a range of actions, with Larne High Principal John Armstrong reaffirming his school’s commitment to help stamp out the litter problem.

Cllr Niblock said: “Larne High School is a very environmentally aware and pro-active school, which is why it has been awarded four Green Flag awards. Mr Armstrong will be looking for some of his pupils to go out on litter picks in the Sallagh Park area.

“A local trader and environmental officer from Larne Council have also been invited to the school to make a presentation on the impact of litter on the area, and police will be undertaking an education programme within all local schools to try and change young people’s attitude to littering.”

Cllr Niblock added that Larne Council would be looking at increasing the frequency of emptying bins in the Sallagh Park area, as well as the possibility of introducing one of the Big Belly smart bins that have been installed in other parts of the borough.

“We will be employing a new litter warden in the New Year, and the council’s road sweeper replacement will also be available,” he concluded.

Representatives from Sallagh Park community Association also vowed to continue monitoring the situation and to carry out ongoing litter picks up.