'Offensive' anti-litter signs still under review

A decision on whether anti-littering signs placed by volunteers across Peterborough should be removed is still under review, a council said.

In January, Peterborough City Council announced that dozens of signs could be taken down after complaints were received that some of the messages were "offensive".

The yellow signs, which have appeared along cycleways and parkways across the city, feature messages such as "don't toss litter" and "take your crap home".

A council spokeswoman said: "We are reviewing each sign to determine whether it is appropriate, complies with legal requirements and does not distract drivers...Any signs found to breach these conditions will be removed."

The potential removal of the signs drew criticism from volunteers, who said they helped raise awareness of a serious litter problem in the city.

Mark Fishpool, a resident and volunteer litter picker who previously described the council's decision as "ridiculous", said volunteers had since been warned not to install any additional signs without permission.

He said he was "happy" to see them around Peterborough for the time being.

"If even one person reads them and thinks twice, that's less litter on the roads," Fishpool, 69, added.

Angus Ellis, Peterborough's cabinet member for environment and transport, said: "We fully recognise and applaud the efforts of volunteers in promoting the proper disposal of litter.

"However, we must also maintain control over signage within the street scene, particularly where such signage could pose a risk to public safety due to its placement or installation, or cause offence due to the language used."

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