An “appalling” amount of litter on Armagh roads will be cleared in the coming weeks.
Work on removing the rubbish and general debris began on Monday and will take a number of weeks to complete.
SDLP councillor Thomas O’Hanlon officials within Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council to take action.
“In recent weeks, especially since the snow melted the amount of litter visible on roadsides and in hedges is appalling,” explained councillor O’Hanlon.
“There is no excuse for it. You’ll find everything from food containers, drinks bottles, dirty nappies to car tyres.”
He added: “Nearly every main road out of every town or village is the same. If it’s not hot food containers it’s coffee cups.
“In the past I’ve also raised the issue of material coming from the lorries collecting recycling boxes being responsible for some of the material as well.
“I’ve raised sixteen local roads with officials.”
These include Keady to Armagh, Darkley, Castleblaney, Madden, Tassagh and Granemore Roads.
As will the Derrynoose Road (Derrynoose) Hanslough Road (Middletown), Bachelors Walk (Keady) and the Dundrum Road (Tassagh).
From Armagh the Monaghan, Killylea, Battleford, Moy, Portadown and Newry Roads along with the Collegelands Road from Moy will be litter picked.
Councillor O’Hanlon continued: “My colleague councillor Mealla Campbell has added other roads to the list including the Blackwatertown and Lisbofin Roads.
“A contractor will start work on Monday and it is hoped weather permitting, that these roads will be completed in the coming weeks.
“This shouldn’t need to be done. There is no excuse for just winding down your window and throwing your litter out of the vehicle.
“I am amazed by the number of times young people who raise this issue with me in disgust.
“Those responsible need to stop and enforcement needs to be stepped up.
“I firmly believe that we need to see more enforcement and fines issued to those responsible as a deterrent to others.”
