Help Athy SHINE everyday...
Chewing gum litter on
the streets of Athy is becoming a thing of the past, as the Town Council
joined with the local Tidy Towns Group to engage the services of a
specialist operator to undertake the innovative project.
Athy has now become the county's second pilot
town to benefit from the initiative, following the success of the scheme
in Maynooth.
Dara Wyer, Kildare's Environmental Awareness
Officer explains that 'Unlike most chewing gum removal systems, this
proprietary system does not use steam or high-pressure cleaners or harsh
abrasives. Rather, it uses a non-toxic, environmentally-safe, chemical
derived from sugar cane to gently agitate the gum. The chemical is
warmed in a special backpack and then applied to the gum using a lance
with a small wire brush. The residue can then be swept away'.
Welcoming the project, Diarmuid Donohue, Town Engineer noted that 'The
system is so safe that the operator can walk around removing each piece
of gum without any need to close off areas or otherwise affect
pedestrian traffic'.
PRO of the Tidy Towns Group, Patricia
Berry is delighted with the success of the project and asks that
everyone becomes litter aware to help Athy Shine, noting the many
festivals and events scheduled to take place in the South Kildare town
over the coming months.
Weekly litter patrols have recommenced
over recent weeks and additional volunteers are always particularly
welcome (Telephone/ text: 086 8470232 or Email: athyshines@gmail.com)
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Reports of littering/ dumping in the town and environs should be reported to the Town Council's Litter Report Freephone 1800 243 143.
Alternatively, reports can be made on the Customer Comment Card at http://kildare.ie/athytowncouncil/commentcard/dzabathy.asp
It is important that as many details as possible are given when reports are being made to assist the Council's Litter Warden Service follow up on same.
