Food businesses in South Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse are being asked to support a district council campaign to reduce litter. 

The district councils have launched a "❤️ your area" initiative, approaching local traders and national names to ask them to display anti-litter stickers on takeaway food packaging and posters on their sites. 

The scheme aims to tackle the rising issue of litter in public spaces and make the streets cleaner.

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Councillor Sam James-Lawrie, cabinet member for environment at South Oxfordshire district council, said: “Food businesses have a huge influence on our public spaces, especially when it comes to tackling litter.

"By displaying our ‘❤️ your area’ anti-litter messaging on packing and in their premises, they can show their support for the campaign and help to encourage their customers to keep our towns and villages tidy for everyone.”

The first business to sign up to campaign was McDonald's, whose local franchise agreed to add the councils' sticker to packaging given to drive-thru passengers at Abingdon and Milton Heights, and walk-in customers at Botley and Didcot.

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Cllr Mark Coleman, cabinet member for environmental services and waste at Vale of White Horse district council, said: “Partnering with food businesses allows us to spread the message that everyone has a role in keeping our public areas clean.

"Together, we can encourage responsible behaviour and reduce the amount of litter left behind, so we’d love as many food businesses as possible to get on board with this campaign.”

The programme is part of the councils' Waste Resources and Street Cleaning Strategy.

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