Basingstoke pensioner Maureen Dowsett keeping town tidy

Maureen Dowsett, of Derwent Road in Kempshott, braves all seasons to make sure the town stays tidy.

Spotted at Stratton Park on Tuesday morning, the 83-year-old told The Gazette: "I've been doing this for over 49 years, come rain or shine. I've got clothes for all the weather. The only time I don't come out is when it's icy and I get worried I might fall down.

"I've got to get my daily dose of fresh air."

"It used to be all cigarettes and beer bottles - now it's all coffee cups and face masks. I used to walk two to three miles a day but now I try to keep it short," she said.

When asked what her message to those dropping litter is, Maureen said: "It's so easy and free to get rid of your waste - just put it in the bin. It makes you feel good and saves others from having to pick up after you."

Maureen has been tidying up the town for the last 49 years

The park has a number of waste bins but occasionally Maureen has spotted people using the bays to fly-tip. However, she praised Basingstoke & Deane Borough Council for taking quick action against offenders.

"They are absolutely marvellous, give them a call on 844844 and usually within 24 hours, it is gone," the 83-year-old added.

The authority launched a new anti-litter campaign in September - with the tagline 'Don't Be A Tosser' - amid a rise in needles, syringes and other drug related items being discarded

There are around 2,500 litter bins in Basingstoke and Deane, and the council has been urging people to take responsibility for their rubbish by disposing of it properly or taking it home.

Dropping litter is an offence under the Environment Protection Act 1990 and offenders can be issued with a Fixed Penalty Notice of £75 with further costs if found guilty in a magistrates’ court.

To report litter louts, visit https://www.basingstoke.gov.uk/report-litter-form.