THE Olympic litter free policy worked.

Congratulations to all those involved in keeping the area relatively free of litter.

It was so noticeable in Weymouth and all routes into Weymouth.

It is a treat to see the hot spots of litter kept clean, like the road from Dorchester and Lanehouse Rocks Hill into Wyke .

Travelling around during this time I have seen Weymouth in a new light – instead of focusing on the amount of litter my eyes have been on the buildings, countryside and the sea.

I am sure I am not the only one to experience the feelgood factor.

This was achieved by a special Olympic litter budget, which will end soon.

Having achieved a good standard we must keep the legacy going.

Plans need to be in place to keep that feel good factor so that we can truly say we love where we live.

Being realistic, the budget will not be able to be maintained but there are ways and means to fulfil our goal.

Who is responsible for litter? In Chickerell we all are, creating a policy of many people doing a little to make a big difference.

The Chickerell Community Litter team encouraged families and friends to discuss litter issues and explain why it is sensible to find a bin and put it in.

The community now expects everyone to practice the litter codes. Residents have been urged to pledge to remove litter around their home including the adjacent pavement and kerb or roadside.

Conscientious residents are also inspired to pick up litter in their local area. It takes seconds to pick up a couple of pieces and a few minutes to pick up a couple of handfuls.

With thousands of people doing such an easy task – problem sorted, making the councils job manageable to cope with the rest.

Most litter offenders are decent citizens with the attitude that everyone else does it so why shouldn’t I.

We have found in Chickerell that by keeping our community regularly clean these people don’t drop litter. In a clean area less litter appears so there’s less litter and less to pick up!

So, the legacy is to discuss these things with our family and friends. Then encourage them to make the effort, turning them into litter Olympians. Let’s all love where we live!

Does anyone have any ideas to put into the litter plan?

Brian Bean Chairman Chickerell Community Litter Team