Councils in England are having to pay millions of pounds a year in street cleaning to combat litter and fly tipping. Government figures have revealed that local authorities across the country spent a combined total of £694 million on street cleaning in 2019/20.

The problem does not seem to be going away, and in many areas, is on the increase.

During my lunchtime plog, I passed half a dozen or so, empty bins...and yet the litter was prolific.

Runcorn has pockets of residential and industrial areas, which are surrounded by open spaces, beautiful Woodlands and canals. It has a beauty and charm all of its own... many trees were planted and parks designed to enhance the lives of the people moving into the New Town when it was developed...what a great pity it is then, that the town is not being looked after by all of its residents.

But there is light at the end of the tunnel. I recently met with a family who are not content to complain about the mess, but are out there, filling bin bags and doing their part to keep Runcorn clean.