'Don't drop litter' plea from Severn Trent as visitors abuse Nottinghamshire beauty spots

Severn Trent has noticed a rise in litter being left behind at its visitor sites, as well as continued problems with dangerous parking since reopening again in June.

Recently, rangers and volunteers have spent more than 250 hours picking up enough rubbish to fill more than ten large skips across all of the sites, so people are being urged to use the bins provided or take their rubbish home with them.

Donna Marshall, senior visitor engagement officer, said: “It’s been great to be able welcome everybody back again but the amount of litter that’s being left behind is really upsetting to see, as well as continued reports of dangerous parking in the nearby areas.

“We want everyone who visits us to enjoy themselves and be safe, so we need people to use the bins provided, or preferably just take their rubbish with them and not leave it.

“Not only can this be harmful to wildlife but seeing piles of rubbish can really ruin the experience for others. We also want people to respect the local community, so if the car parks are full then turn back and head home, instead of parking on neighbouring roads or verges which can be extremely dangerous.”

Severn Trent reopened its visitor sites in June, after closing to help limit the spread of coronavirus and has since introduced new measures to help keep people safe.

Donna added: “We’d be extremely grateful for everyone’s cooperation.”