11 July 2008, 08/155
We’re taking no butts with cigarette
pouches!
‘Stub it out the right way’ is the message from West Lancashire
District Council as it targets smokers by handing out dinky pocket
ashtrays.
For the third year running the District Council is re-launching
its successful campaign to encourage people not to discard their
cigarettes on the floor.
So to do this the Council has purchased more portable cigarette
pouches to give away.
This initiative was first trialled in 2006 and was such a
resounding hit, especially in light of the new smoking legislation,
that the Council has now given away over 3,000 ashtrays and has had
to order more due to the level of demand.
Smokers can use the pouches by storing the used ends in them
until they find 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 Geoff Hammond, Portfolio Holder for Community Services and
Health, said: "There’s nothing worse than seeing dirty cigarette
butts thrown all over the streets. Not only are they unsightly but
also they are difficult to clean up. That’s why we want to
encourage smokers to pick up a free pouch because it is an easy way
of cleaning the district and saving money. We have already taken
action against numerous people who have been caught throwing butts
on the floor. So do the sensible thing and ask for a pocket ashtray
else it could cost you £75 if you are seen discarding them on the
floor by our enforcement officers."
The Street Scene Officers will be giving away pouches on market
days in Ormskirk town centre. You can also order them on our
refuse page or pick
one up at the reception areas at 52 Derby Street, Ormskirk;
The Investment Centre, Whitemoss; and the Customer Service Point in
the Concourse, Skelmersdale.
Related information
> Refuse
> Littering
> Fly
tipping