A Smith’s Wood resident says litter is worse than 1980s Brixton riots, causing families to leave.
Frost blames college students partly and asked Solihull councillors for help. He moved to Auckland Drive five years ago, and the litter shocked him after six months. He felt he had to act.
Frost became a volunteer litter picker, and people thank him for his work. He feels they shouldn’t have to do it, as it was not necessary twenty years back. Students from Solihull College cause most litter.
Meetings with the college changed little, yet residents are moving away due to litter. They are tired of picking it up. He picked up litter on a cold Saturday, wondering how long it will last.
Flytipping is also a problem, Frost said. The council could prosecute people. Councillor Ken Hawkins thanked Frost and agreed litter pickers are great. Locals and the college cause litter, but Street care teams are helping in that area.
Hawkins said a new scheme is coming soon. It will target hotspots like Smith’s Wood. Officers are working on it with partners, with the council to soon get a briefing.
The college said they work with partners, including the council, police, and residents. They are trying to reduce litter and funded smart bins for this purpose. The college actively picks up litter, and the mayor and students will also pick litter. The council meeting was on February 4.