Teams clear 'eyesore' litter during A45 closures

A council frustrated by "unsightly" litter along the A45 has managed to clear 2.4 tonnes of rubbish - filling 420 bags - during roadworks closures.

In July, the Reform leader of North Northamptonshire Council (NNC), Martin Griffiths, said he had "lost count of the number of residents" asking him why the "eyesore" had not been cleared.

After pressing National Highways, the council said a co-ordinated effort meant crews could "take advantage of overnight road closures already in place" to work safely.

National Highways said it "works hard, in partnership with local authorities, to tackle litter on our roads".

Taking place over a 12-shift period, the operation included nearside, offside, verges, slip roads and centre reservations at multiple locations on the A45, stretching from Wilby Way to Raunds.

"While we are pleased to have removed a significant amount of litter, the best outcome would be for it not to be there in the first place," added Chris McGiffen, council member for highways and travel.

The council said working overnight during planned closures meant crews could reach parts of the A45 that would otherwise be difficult to access.

It also helped "minimise disruption" to road users, it said.

In 2013, litter collecting was temporarily suspended on the A45 at night after a contractor was injured during an incident.

Both organisations urged drivers to "always take their litter home and dispose of it responsibly".

Bill Freeman, route manager for National Highways, said: "No-one wants to see litter along the roadside.

"It is unsightly and a threat to the environment and wildlife, and comes at a cost to the taxpayer when the money could be better spent elsewhere."

Griffiths added: "The litter alongside parts of the A45 had become a real eyesore, creating a poor impression for residents as well as businesses and visitors.

"We have a good relationship with National Highways, and I'm pleased that our teams have collaborated so well to allow us to undertake this clean-up."

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