A war on grot spots in Spalding has been declared after the efforts of volunteers planting flower beds and council street teams to keep the town looking clean and tidy.
Within hours of the article about Spalding in Bloom hanging baskets across the town to make it look vibrant and welcoming being published in our sister paper, the Spalding Guardian, an 83-year-old resident reported an easy chair had been shredded at a play area near his home.
The man, who preferred not to give his name because his car was vandalised for voicing his anger in the past, said living near the play area in Atton Avenue had become a nightmare.
He said: “I complained to the council about the mess last bank holiday and they sent a truck to clear it up.
“The kids leave chip papers and all sorts.
“When I moved here 20 years ago it was a lot different. It’s got worse over the past few years but I’m too old to move now.”
Within minutes of being asked to highlight other grot spots in Spalding on our Facebook page there were a number of suggestions posted – with the skatepark on Low Fulney Field in Holbeach Road, areas of St Helena Drive and Horseshoe Road and behind Aldi just a few.
However, according to councillors residents can all play their part in keeping the town looking nice.
Coun Roger Gambba-Jones said: “Only this morning a kid was kicking a shredded football about Wygate Park and then just left it and thought I was nuts when I asked him to put it in the bin.
“People have to step up and either report litter or even pick it up and put it in the bin themselves.
“This is what the Big Society is about – communities and councils working together.”
Coun Angela Newton, who was out again on Friday morning with members of Spalding in Bloom, said help was always welcome: “The beds and baskets are looking lovely but we would be grateful for any help with weeding and watering.”
l Spalding in Bloom is grateful to Spalding Plant and Bulb Co for sponsoring baskets on the charity shops and Gardman Ltd for the brackets.