CONWY County Borough Council is calling on everyone to take responsibility for their own rubbish as they make the most of the county’s parks, beaches and beauty spots this bank holiday weekend.

Across Wales, rates of litter have increased as Covid restrictions have eased, and the weather has improved. The actions of a small minority have had a negative impact on everyone’s enjoyment of nature. They have also put more strain on council workers who have worked tirelessly throughout the pandemic to keep open spaces clean and safe while maintaining other essential services.

The local authority has joined forces with Keep Wales Tidy and all other councils in Wales to encourage people to do the right thing while they make the most of the long weekend. To stop bins filling up and overflowing, everyone is being urged to take their litter home and dispose of it there.

A council spokesperson said: “We all have our part to play in keeping Conwy beautiful. When you’re out and about, please remember to find a litter bin or take your rubbish home with you. If a litter bin is full and waiting to be emptied, please use another bin nearby.”

The campaign is being run as part of Caru Cymru (a Welsh phrase meaning ‘Love Wales’) – an inclusive movement led by Keep Wales Tidy and local authorities to inspire people to take action and care for the environment.

Caru Cymru has received funding through the Welsh Government Rural Communities - Rural Development Programme 2014-2020, which is funded by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development and the Welsh Government.

Litter has a significant and far-reaching impact on our communities. Keep Wales Tidy has identified that when areas are uncared for it makes people feel unsafe, it affects social cohesion, the sense of pride in communities, stifles economic growth and tourism.

Lesley Jones, Keep Wales Tidy chief executive, said: “We’ve all missed our favourite places during lockdown. As we head back out, it is essential that our precious parks, green spaces and beaches are kept clean and safe for everyone to enjoy.

“Every person has a part to play. It is not acceptable to expect somebody else to pick up the rubbish that you create.

“When you’re out, make memories, not mess – if bins are full, take your rubbish home.”