Maidenhead & Windsor

Maidenhead town centre take-aways, sandwich bars, supermarkets and shops that sell food for people to eat 'on the go' are being urged to join a Maidenhead Royal Borough campaign to keep litter off the streets.

The Maidenhead Food on the Go pilot scheme is challenging owners and managers to work with the council to cut down on the amount of discarded food, burger boxes, chips papers, drinks containers and sandwich wrappers dropped outside their premises, particularly at night – and if the initiative is successful in Maidenhead it will be extended to Windsor and Ascot and eventually to all shopping areas in the borough.

Traders are being asked to follow three simple steps to help keep Maidenhead town clean:
1. Ask customers if they really need a bag for their take-aways – this could reduce the amount of waste for disposal.
2. Sweep the area around their premises regularly.
3. Display the special Food on the Go posters to raise awareness and let customers know they are taking litter seriously.

Cllr Simon Werner, lead member for Maidenhead public protection, said the council mounted continuous cleaning in the town centre from 6am to 6pm but traders could help keep Maidenhead cleaner by taking a pride in their premises.

He said: "While most shop owners and managers take a responsible approach to litter, Food on the Go aims to make everyone in the town centre more aware of the need to keep the environment clean and litter free.

"This campaign will help traders take the initiative and when they are seen to be taking action, I believe their customers will follow suit and make sure they put their litter in the bins provided or take it home."

Cllr Werner said the campaign was especially relevant in the evenings when a litter-free environment was an essential element in promoting the town's family-friendly appeal.

Nigel Davis, the council senior Maidenhead streetcare officer, is distributing letters to more than 20 town centre outlets that sell food for people on the go.

He said: "This is a great opportunity for the council and traders to work together for the benefit of the town centre."

Nigel will also be contacting local banks to make them aware of the campaign. He explained: "ATM machines are notorious places for litter, with people dropping receipts and statements. We need to get the banks on board with this initiative so they will ensure the areas are regularly swept and tidied."

Food on the Go is being organised in support of the Maidenhead – Making a Good Town Great initiative run by Maidenhead Town Partnership.

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead