Town Centre BID’s response to Litter Levels

Bournemouth’s Town Centre BID Responds to Rising Summer Heatwave Litter Levels

• Following an influx of additional visitors to Bournemouth this Summer, the Bournemouth Town Centre Business Improvement District (BID) is supporting Bournemouth Council’s new anti-litter initiatives.

Bringing in hundreds of thousands of additional visitors, Bournemouth’s town centre businesses have been celebrating an exceptional summer tourism period brought on by the heatwave. However, alongside the influx of visitors, who have been shopping, enjoying town centre events and spending time in Bournemouth’s public spaces, there has been an inevitable increase in litter. Helping to tackle this issue, the Bournemouth Town Centre BID is supporting Bournemouth Borough Council’s new litter clearing initiatives.

Keeping the area clean and attractive, the Town Centre BID has funded five additional bins for the town centre. Recognising and addressing the litter issue, these have been located in key locations, including outside Cafe Obscura, Franco Manca, Pret A Manger, on Post Office Road and Beale Place. Working closely with the Council to enhance litter clearing services, the BID has also successfully lobbied for additional litter bin collections at weekends, temporary commercial sized bins, additional cleansing activities and improved commercial waste arrangements.

Paul Kinvig, Chief Operating Officer at the Bournemouth Town Centre BID, said:

“We are delighted by the Council’s response to the increase in litter, which has been brought on by warm weather, the wide array of seasonal events and booming town centre footfall. We’ll be working closely with the Council to support their new litter combating measures and going forward, ensuring they are implemented not just in the summer months but throughout the year. We will also be supporting levy payers to help them meet their commercial waste responsibilities.’’

Larry Austin, Service Director for Environment at Bournemouth Borough Council, said:

“Bournemouth is enjoying a bumper tourism season, but this brings with it the challenge of dealing with additional rubbish.  We are pleased to be partnering with the Town Centre BID to ease the financial pressures on our services, reduce litter and keep the town centre looking at its best.’’

Part of its ‘Clean and Green’ programme, the Town Centre BID also provides a rapid response cleaning service, fly-tipping removal and decorations aimed at restoring pride in Bournemouth’s town centre. All activities aim to help Bournemouth’s town centre effectively compete with other centres across the UK.