January 26, 2018 3.44 pm This story is over 73 months old

Council plans action after increase in abandoned shopping trolleys in Gainsborough

A public consultation is being held.

West Lindsey District Council is considering hitting supermarkets in the pocket over an increase in the number of abandoned trolleys in Gainsborough.

The council is consulting on a plan to charge supermarkets for every trolley it has to collect from the street.

This approach has been taken in other areas of the country and has resulted in a significant reduction abandoned trolleys.

The scheme, while imposing a financial penalty, is intended to encourage supermarkets to take steps to prevent trolleys being taken in the first place.

Shoppers are reminded that removing a trolley and not returning it could be considered as theft, or as fly tipping if the trolley is dumped

Councillor Judy Rainsforth, ward member for the South West Gainsborough, said: “Most supermarkets are responsible and take all possible steps they can to prevent their trolleys being taken.

“However, abandoned trolleys are a significant concern in Gainsborough and I am approached by people on a weekly basis asking me what the council is doing about it because they make the area look untidy and uncared for.

“I also see people walking the trolleys out of the supermarket car parks and we need to take steps to prevent this.”

Details of the public consultation which runs until February 26 can be found here.