SHOPPING TROLLEY DASH CLEARS HAVERING STREETS

A scheme to clear the borough of abandoned shopping trolleys has led to the return of 5,000 units returned back to supermarkets in six months.

The success of the scheme means savings in time and money to the Council, the supermarkets – and an improved environment for residents.

The collection service came about after Havering Council informed supermarkets that it planned to charge them the cost of removing abandoned trolleys. It was hoped that the charges to remove, store and dispose of the trolleys would encourage stores to take more responsibility for them.

Shortly after being informed by the Council, supermarkets employed the services of Trolley Collection Services to remove abandoned trolleys. The firm drives around the areas near supermarkets looking out for trolleys and also picks up any reported to them. This service which began in mid-September 2008.

In its first 27 weeks of operation, the company collected 5,045 trolleys from the streets of the borough and returned them to the stores.

The Council still plans to introduce the charges this year, but expects that the supermarkets involved – Tesco, Somerfield, Iceland and Asda - will keep up the good work in becoming more responsible for their trolleys.

To report an abandoned trolley call 01708 432563.

14.4.09