In an effort to tackle the persistent litter problem in St Austell, environmental activist Pat Smith, famously known as ‘Action Nan’, teamed up with a local County Councillor for a litter picking drive. Over the weekend, they collected three full bags of rubbish from a quiet lane leading into the town centre, a road often overlooked but crucial in the fight against environmental degradation.
The lane, characterised by its tranquillity and minimal housing, has become a hotspot for littering, primarily by motorists discarding takeaway packaging from popular outlets like McDonald’s, Costa Coffee, and KFC, along with an alarming number of beer cans and plastic bottles. Pat, who founded the environmental charity The Final Straw Cornwall, expressed her frustration at the ongoing issue, highlighting the need for more stringent measures to curb this behaviour.
“Anyone got any ideas go to deal with this????” The pattern suggests that drivers consume their food and nonchalantly dispose of the waste out of their windows without a second thought. It’s not only an eyesore but a threat to our environment.
Action Nan’s call for action is not just about cleaning up but also about changing attitudes and policies. She urges the community to come together to find innovative solutions to combat this issue and hold those responsible accountable.
Action Nan’s initiative extends beyond litter picking; it’s about inspiring a movement towards a cleaner, more responsible society. As she continues her fight against environmental neglect, her efforts serve as a rallying cry for others to join in and make a difference in their communities.
