RESIDENTS in Salisbury are being encouraged to be more considerate following "an influx of litter" being left behind.

Following the ease of Covid-19 restrictions and the recent sunny weather, Salisbury City Council said it has noticed "an influx of litter" in parks and open spaces.

On Sunday morning, the council's Grounds Operatives cleared 25 bags of litter from bins and surrounding areas at Harnham Recreation Ground.

The council says its employees are changing bins and litter picking seven days a week in Victoria Park, Churchill Gardens and Queen Elizabeth Gardens and that there are now two people permanently changing bins and litter picking through the working week rather than just one.

The authority is encouraging residents to consider the environment and take litter home instead of dropping it.

Leader of the Council, Cllr Jeremy Nettle said: "Now we are being allowed to socialise with others outdoors and 2 metres apart, it is so important to work together and keep our parks and green spaces clean.

"Unfortunately I collected a huge number of plastic bottles and snack packets from Hudson’s Field last Friday.

"Please remember to stay ALERT, don’t spread germs, take litter home with you and look after the environment.”

The council says there are plans to put extra signage up and that Security Officers will be visiting more frequently.

"The situation is being monitored and measures will increase further if needed," a spokesperson added.