A SHARP rise in fast food litter across Hailsham has prompted an East Sussex County Councillor to call for tougher enforcement, including fines for offenders identified through discarded receipts.
Cllr Steve Murphy says the problem of ‘on-the-go litter’ has worsened significantly since the opening of new takeaway outlets in the town, with volunteers reporting growing amounts of branded packaging being dumped on streets and verges.
The issue has been highlighted by members of a litter-picking group, who regularly collect rubbish across Hailsham. According to Cllr Murphy, one recent litter pick along South Road alone saw a single volunteer collect 62 items of McDonald’s packaging.
He said: “Fast litter is becoming a real concern locally. While businesses cannot control every individual who drops rubbish, they do have a legal responsibility to manage the impact in their immediate area.”
The councillor is now pushing for Wealden District Council to take a tougher stance, drawing inspiration from action already being taken elsewhere in the country.
Stroud District Council has launched a campaign targeting fast food litter, using evidence such as receipts left in discarded packaging to trace offenders. The council has already issued fixed penalty notices to individuals identified in this way.
Cllr Murphy believes a similar approach could be adopted in Wealden.
He said: “If receipts are left in the bag, it can be possible to identify when and where the food was purchased. That evidence can then be used to take enforcement action. It’s something that is already working in other areas.”
Volunteers in Hailsham have already begun gathering evidence, with Cllr Murphy confirming that he and another litter picker have submitted cases to Wealden District Council for potential enforcement.
The issue is set to be formally raised at the Joint Waste Management Committee on April 24, where councillors will be asked to consider whether stronger measures should be introduced locally.
The rise in litter has also reignited debate around the responsibility of fast food outlets to help keep surrounding areas clean, with campaigners calling for greater involvement from businesses in tackling the problem.
For now, local volunteers continue to pick up the pieces – but with pressure mounting, there are growing calls for those responsible to be held accountable.
Hailsham News has contacted McDonalds for comment.
