Revolting mess left by lockdown visitors to Derbyshire beauty spots

People should take their rubbish home with them

This is the disgusting mess that littered Derbyshire beauty spots after the bank holiday weekend.

Visitors to the scenic sites and parks during lockdown left rubbish lying around and in bags.

Derbyshire County Council has urged people to take their rubbish back home with them to preserve the beauty of the countryside.

It also says that barbecues at any park or countryside site are not permitted, especially since recent warm weather brings increased risk of fire.

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Derbyshire County Council cabinet member for Highways, Transport and Infrastructure Simon Spencer said: “It is vitally important that visitors use our sites responsibly and take their litter home with them.

“Regrettably, littering has increased since lockdown restrictions have been eased with our staff spending considerable time picking up litter left by visitors. This impacts upon staffs’ ability to support visitors and deal with other issues such as essential site duties and responding to reports of lost children.”

Mr Spencer wanted to remind residents that they should only spend time in parks with members of their own household, or one person from outside it.

He said: “We’d like to thank visitors who are social distancing, making good use of the space available and using our sites responsibly.

“It is important everyone takes extra care and this includes limiting your use of narrow trails and towpaths that impact the two metre guidance.”

Visitors are also being reminded to not use council sites if car parks are full and are being warned against unauthorised parking.

Mr Spencer said: “Visitors should pay attention to signage around our sites including signs that indicate our car park is full.

“Ignoring these signs causes congestion for other park users and in some instances puts other people in danger.”