Anti-Litter Crusader Becomes 50,000th 101 Caller
| Published: 25th May 2007 15:13 |
25 May 2007
ANTI-LITTER CRUSADER BECOMES 50,000TH 101 CALLER
Sheffield businessman Peter Rickard-Green has become the 50,000th caller to the city's successful 101 service, after he became a man with a simple mission and a care for his community.
Peter, of Melrose Road, Burngreave, wanted to be able to make the 15-minute walk to work without seeing the neighbourhood he grew up in regularly scarred by flytipping and litter. When he began walking to his office in Nursery Street just a few months ago, he became more and more aware of the impact that flytipping and litter was causing in local green spaces.
He turned to 101 and has since become a regular caller - notching up a dozen calls and getting prompt action from the Council's Street Force team. His last call to 101, reporting two dumped fridges, became the 50,000th call to the 101 since the service was launched in Sheffield last June.
"I grew up in Burngreave and moved back here five years ago. Due to the success of my business I decided to set up a new office in the area, which enabled me to cycle or walk to work. On my way to work the litter problem was one thing - I regularly pick up litter myself (sometimes to the dismay of my 3 children) because I feel the need to be part of the solution- but flytipping is another matter, when it started to escalate and was spoiling the otherwise nice green spaces in the area, I felt the need to act, so I dialled 101." said Peter.
"The first thing I saw dumped was an old TV and I thought I would try the 101 number. It was cleared quite quickly. But the problem with flytipping is it often perpetuates itself. Starts off with an old chair then someone spots that and comes along and adds a mattress in the same spot or a fridge. I've even seen builders' rubble dumped in a children's play area. I've got three kids myself - it's dangerous, looks horrible and is just not acceptable."
"I've called 101 a few times now and they have been really very good. They've answered promptly, and as well as moving the rubbish, they are also trying to help prevent it from happening and we've got some concrete successes to show from the service. The council have now put a lock on one of the gates to a green space that the kids use and the Council has just put a sign up warning of the penalties of flytipping."
He added: "I think the 101 number is an excellent idea. It has worked for me and I'll continue to use it when necessary. I'd recommend it to other people."
Sheffield's 101 Partnership Manager Jacqueline Bland said: "The fact that we have reached 50,000 calls now since getting underway in the city is testimony to the value of the service to local people for reporting a range of problems. Since we started the service last summer, we have had over 400 calls on flytipping and the partnership we have with the Council ensures that these matters are dealt with swiftly.
"In the case of Mr Rickard-Green, we have been able to take additional action in an effort to rid the area of this problem, such as the gate lock and a warning sign of the penalties of flytipping. Mr Rickard-Green obviously cares for his neighbourhood and, as our 50,000th caller, he is a great advocate for 101 and for anti-litter campaigners throughout the city."
Copyright © Sheffield City Council 1997 - 2007
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