There is widespread anger in the village over the activities of a family of four who recently blighted part of the River Thames along a stretch popular with anglers.
The family dumped a large black bin liner full of discarded food cans and general rubbish. There were three old, fold-up picnic chairs, pots and pans, a metal grill used for a barbecue, an old inflatable air bed and even an un-opened packet of sausages. The area used by the family was on the river bank at the back of Ward’s Field.
The chairman of the Parish Council Gordon Rogers said, “Whoever was responsible showed a blatant disregard for the countryside. The family’s behaviour is a disgrace and gives responsible anglers a bad name.”
“I struggle to understand the mentality of people who dump litter anywhere, particularly in the countryside and then expect other people to clear up the mess. Some people have no conscience and are oblivious of the harm their activities cause to the countryside, the environment and wildlife.”
The incident is believed to have happened on Saturday 4th September and was witnessed by two anglers who were fishing nearby. One said: “There was a family of four with two children including a man who was fishing. They had a barbecue during their stay of several hours. I couldn’t believe the amount of rubbish they left behind.”
The rubbish has since been removed by members of the Parish Council.
Somebody out there knows this family. Please speak up if you do.
This rubbish is preferable to the endemic of dog poo – unbagged or bagged and left at the side of the path or in hedges – throughout the village by selfish dog owners.