Directory

Access tools

Set Text size

| |

Set Contrast

| |

Text only
Translation
Listen

News

Rascal the Rat's Litter Busting Campaign

Poole's litter busting giant rat has been named 'Rascal' in a competition held by the Borough's Environmental and Consumer Protection Services.

As part of a litter awareness campaign, where litter crusaders dressed as a giant cigarette butt and a rat took to Poole High Street, 300 shoppers were invited to name the latest addition to the team.

Five-year-old Amber Treweek, of Canford Heath, chose the winning name of Rascal and was presented with a prize of a Purple Pelican boat trip around Poole Harbour by the friendly rat.

A second competition was held for children who were seen to be disposing of litter responsibly, with William Maw, aged 10 from Verwood, winning a two hour taster session of his choice of windsurfing or sailing with Rockley Watersports .

The competitions were held as part of an ongoing education and awareness campaign focusing on cigarette butts and fast food waste, where the public are being warned not to drop rubbish, which can encourage rats and can result in £75 fixed penalty fines being issued.

Cllr Don Collier, Cabinet Portfolio Holder for the Environment, said: "This ongoing campaign has resulted in previously notorious litter hotspots such as the High Street and Ashley Road improving tremendously, thanks to greater public awareness. Over 2000 personal ashtrays have been given out to the public over the past year and officers will continue to educate and enforce anti-littering behaviour."

Hayley Pope, Communications Co-ordinator
Tel: 01202 633060