A petition demands action against increasing litter in Barking and Dagenham, London, citing “disgusting” conditions.
She believes that the local authorities can create change by enforcing laws and paying more attention. The council states they have plans for affected areas, which include targeted cleaning. Supervisors visit often to find improvements.
The petition wants better street cleaning and asks for law enforcement to be more consistent. Improved waste facilities are part of the request, alongside community awareness campaigns in schools and centers. It also pushes for more bins to be made available for the community. The petition had 234 signatures as of February 7.
Virag started a Facebook group named “Dirty Dagenham,” where residents share photos of garbage, documenting rubbish across streets and parks. Mattresses and fridges appear abandoned as well. The Facebook group now has over 400 members, and more join regularly.
Residents feel very frustrated by the increasing issues. They report fly-tipping and try to manage the rubbish. Virag often sees broken glass and chip shop packaging when walking around. She and her partner clean near her building, trying to reduce litter when they can.
Virag has received online abuse, including xenophobic attacks. Due to this abuse, she started the petition under her partner’s name. She is focused on getting as many signatures as possible. Virag met with Council Leader Dominic Twomey and MP Margaret Mullane in January to discuss the waste problem, but nothing happened. So, she started the petition the following Sunday.
The council understands residents’ concerns about litter and says they are working hard to fix the waste problem. According to them, a “selfish minority” leaves waste on the streets, and while the street cleaning team works hard, community groups also help keep the borough clean. The council hopes to fine those who fly-tip and aims to educate people about proper waste disposal. They will install new bins and check hotspots, believing it will reduce littering overall.
Mullane’s office stated council funding has been cut. Despite this, Mullane addresses resident concerns about fly-tipping and organizes volunteer litter pickers in the area, too.
