CONCERNED residents joined town councillors and environmental campaigners at a packed Drill Hall last week to find solutions to Chepstow’s litter problem.

The inaugural “litter summit”, organised by the town council and Transition Chepstow, was the latest event in the latter’s campaign to tidy up the town’s streets and clamp down on the type of single-use materials which are often used in fast-food packaging – the kind residents said was frequently dropped by Chepstow’s litter louts.

At the meeting on Thursday, January 17, attendees were divided into three groups, each tasked with brainstorming potential solutions to a particular litter question.

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One group, asked to suggest ways local and central government could improve the situation, said CCTV and council enforcement could be introduced in troublesome areas affected by hotspots.

A deposit return scheme, in which customers could be partially refunded for returning used items like glass bottles, was also suggested.

Similar schemes have had impressive results in countries like Germany, and trials at some UK supermarkets are currently under way.

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Litter collected by volunteers on a recent litter-pick (Picture: Transition Chepstow)

A second group examined the role of local businesses in tackling litter. Its members suggested a publicly-viewable rating system, similar to food hygiene ratings, to record businesses’ recycling efforts. Another incentive, they said, could be to reduce business rates for more environmentally-responsible traders.

The third group focused on the roles of schools and community groups. They commended local primary schools for educating pupils about littering, and said secondary schools could follow their lead.

Presided over by town mayor Tony Redhead and Graham Eele of the Transition group, the event also included presentations from Monmouthshire County Council, Keep Wales Tidy, Marine Conservation Society, and Wayne Dixon – who has undertaken a challenge to walk the UK’s coastline, picking up litter.

Speaking after the event, Mr Eele said: “It was really encouraging to see so many people turning out and joining in the discussion with such enthusiasm.

"Of course there is a lot yet to be done to turn these ideas into practical actions.

"It was disappointing that very few businesses were represented as it’s really important to work alongside local businesses, especially shops and takeaways.

"I would like to invite any of them who feel they can be part of the solution to contact me at plasticfree@transitionchepstow.org.uk ‘

Transition Chepstow organise monthly litter picks in and around the time. The next litter pick is scheduled for Saturday, February 16.