Hyde Park covered in litter after people enjoyed the warm weather yesterday
It's expected to take all day to clear the rubbish
This morning (31st March 2021) Hyde Park in Leeds is covered in litter, after people gathered at the park yesterday to enjoy the warm weather, which reached highs of 21 degrees.
There are some bin bags and piles of rubbish placed around the overflowing bins in the park. One litter picker told us they had emptied every single bin at 3pm yesterday.
One little picker said:
"It's like this every year, people say stuff about it and nothing ever changes.
"Nothing will ever change, people have said stuff for ages, it's just the fact that there is no enforcement in place."
They say they'll be cleaning up for the rest of the day.
On the ground there's beer bottles, empty glass bottles, plastic bags, cardboard boxes and even burnt patches on the grass.
"I am ashamed, you shouldn't be acting like this, not in a place for the public to have fun."
Georgia, a student nurse said:
"I'm disgusted that I'm a student myself, I am ashamed, you shouldn't be acting like this, not in a place for the public to have fun.
"If it's sunny today, no one will be able to come out and enjoy the sun here, not kids on the Easter holidays.
"If you've bought a bag with you, take it home, it's not that difficult."
West Yorkshire Police said:
"We continue to be in our communities, engaging and explaining and encouraging people to follow the new restrictions. We would like to remind people that we are still in a pandemic and will disperse groups of over six - using fines where appropriate to do so."
A spokesperson for Leeds City Council said:
“Whilst recognising that people will be keen to meet up with friends and family in our parks and green spaces given the relaxation in some coronavirus restrictions this week, we are asking residents to still fully respect all of the guidance currently in place.
“This includes those rules relating to social distancing and gatherings. This is vitally important if we are to continue to protect the health and wellbeing of ourselves and others.
“It is important that those who have had a vaccination continue to follow the rules. The full impact of the vaccine on transmission of the virus is not yet known, therefore it may be possible to spread the virus, putting others at risk.
“We hope our residents can enjoy the good weather and our amenities while still adhering to the guidelines.”