Dismay at litter and large crowds at Cambridgeshire beauty spots
Concern has been expressed at large gatherings and the amount of rubbish left strewn across some of the area’s beauty spots.
Cambridge City Council took to social media to post pictures of the litter left on Jesus Green, while South Cambridgeshire District Council leader Cllr Bridget Smith was left “dismayed” at reports of “large crowds” in the region.
As the Cambridge Independent has reported, a cow suffocated to death after consuming a plastic bag left by picknickers on Grantchester Meadows.
Cllr Smith encouraged residents to find alternative locations to enjoy the outdoors during the pandemic if they find their preferred location to be too crowded.
She said: “It is critical that we all stick to the well-publicised social distancing rules – keeping two metres apart from others we meet outdoors as the lockdown is gradually eased.
“Each one of us has made sacrifices to get to this point with far too many lives lost across the country. This is why I am dismayed at receiving reports from fellow councillors about recent large crowds at some of our more well-known beauty spots like Grantchester Meadows, in the Fulbourn conservation area and in Overcote.
“We are lucky to live in a beautiful part of the country and there are so many open spaces, recreation grounds and village greens with enough room for people to meet up safely. If anyone arrives at a particular location and it looks busy – just go somewhere else nearby instead.
“We all have a part to play in slowing the spread of coronavirus and keeping your distance from others is vital. I’d also urge anyone using our lovely open spaces to keep them neat and tidy by making sure litter is put into a bin – or by taking litter home if that’s not possible.”
Cllr Smith’s appeal came after a spell of good weather that encouraged picnickers.
The city council’s street scene team reported debris left behind on Jesus Green.
It tweeted: “Despite additional litter bins at the parks, it is disappointing to see that some people are littering the open spaces and ruining them for everyone else.
“Dropping litter is a crime. Please put your rubbish in a litter bin and help us keep Cambridge looking beautiful. Anyone who is caught littering by our enforcement team will be issued with a fixed penalty notice of £150.”
The government guidance says: “From Monday June 1, you can meet in a group of up to six people, including children, if you are outdoors. You should ensure you stay at least two metres away from the people you do not live with. Public gatherings of more than six people from different households will be prohibited in law.”
Gatherings prior to June 1 were limited to no more than two people from different households, while maintaining social distancing.
Additional reporting: Ben Hatton, Local Democracy Reporter
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Cow dies after suffocating on rubbish left by picnickers on Grantchester Meadows
