No less than 15 Rye residents have offered to take part in a campaign to keep our streets and public places free of litter. Nicky Ledger, the Town Steward, had the idea of enlisting others to help him in the never-ending task of combating the litter-droppers, who apparently have no care for their surroundings and take no pride in their home town.
The equipment, sticks and bag-holders have already arrived at the Town Hall and a meeting of volunteers will be held early in the New Year to co-ordinate the teams, agree the area assignments and put the plan into operation. More public-spirited volunteers will be needed.
One particular grot-spot was pointed out by a Canadian visitor while waiting for the Ashford bound train on his way back to London. Alongside the platform and just over the fence is a favourite place for throwing empty cans and bottles which spoils the appearance of the otherwise well-maintained rail station, where there is a litter bin in the waiting shelter.
“What can be the mentality”, he asked, though this wanton habit can scarcely be unknown today in his own country.
Kevin Barry, the Community Rail Partnership’s development officer for the Marshlink line who was largely instrumental in establishing the John Ryan garden at the front of the station, replacing an overgrown and neglected area, said the land in question belongs to Network Rail, and thus is outside South Eastern’s train operator’s remit. However, he undertook to raise the matter with the rail authority, with results to be awaited.
Photo: Kenneth Bird