Chiswick is rubbish
I'm really getting upset over the different kinds of litter strewn around Chiswick. Our neighbourhood is rubbish, and it has been for many years now! I've finally said it "out loud", and it pains me to do so.The recent hot weather always encourages the picnic crowds that leave rubbish in the parks . When I was a child we had to make posters about "keep Britain tidy", and it was drilled into us to pick it up. This seems lost, as everyone is in it for themselves and just expect the council to pick it up (I guess). I have a young daughter, and I teach her this, but I don't think the school curriculum does. I'm sad to say that I wish the council had litter attendants to fine offenders. Forget parking , they would make a killing on litter.But this is overly simple, as another issue is that bins aren't emptied, and overflow constantly. The council rarely has a handle on predicted litter patterns or preventative rubbish handling and it just shows how inept and unimaginative they are . Would it hurt to tie an extra bag to park bins when is going to be hot? Ideally with a sign saying none food items only to guard against foxes? Of course if we were in Japan there would be no bins and people take their rubbish home themselves. So we are back to education , and how we can encourage our fellow neighbours to care about the neighbourhood?. Perhaps if we had litter wardens, they might educate and give the chance for an offender to repent a fine by picking up (the inevitable finger or eff-off causing an immediate fine).But the final straw for me are the local businesses in Chiswick. I'm sorry to say this, as I like to support local, but why do they all think it's ok to heap their rubbish in the street every morning (particularly Sat or Sunday)? A nice walk onto the high street (with an idea to frequent their establishments) now always incurs the shame of walking past reaking/oozing piles of skank. There is a woodsman's saying "don't sh@t where you eat", and lately I interpret that as "don't eat where they ...". Sure, they will whimper this is what the council insists on, to which I counter, find a better way to save your livelihoods and take some pride! It's ridiculous .
While we are at it, why don't they take some time to sweep in front of their doors and remove the cigarette butts and other rubbish many of their clients leave (take responsibility for a change). Or (as it's not just cafes in this list of shame), clean the eggshells or greesy boxes nearby . And reflect on their stinky bags at 9am, roasting in the sun? In fact, why not have some staff do a local cleanup and show some community pride? It would be good advertising and show commitment.In sharp contrast, I smile at the "Abundance " initiatives to brighten our streets. But scowl at the rubbish between the lovely plants , and rarely stop to admire them as the oozing bags, buzzing flies and stench hurry me on.How can we change this? Other countries (particularly hot ones), seem so better organised.Bring back a beautiful neighbourhood, and not this rubbish legacy we have.
Tim Mackinnon ● 12d21 Comments ● 3d