• You

From: Owen Ward

Sent: 10 August 2019 16:04
To: Adam.Harrison@camden.gov.uk <Adam.Harrison@camden.gov.uk>
Cc: Simpson, Jonathan (Councillor) <Jonathan.Simpson@camden.gov.uk>
Subject: Kings Cross Litter

Dear Adam,

I am unfortunately having to come back to you about the litter problem in Kings Cross /
Bloomsbury.

I met with the street officers and we had an extensive conversation about the causes of
littering and what we can do as a community to address these issues. I am doing all that I
can to engage with the community to see what we can do to address the problem and
reduce littering in the long term. I am optimistic about this, and think that eventually we
really will see a difference - in perhaps a year's time or more. I waited a couple of weeks to
see if the officers would effect changes to increase cleanliness.

Things are no better - in fact in some places, worse. It is clear to me that nothing has been
done.

I have visited neighbouring areas under Westminster and the City. I have been in a few
different places in the country over the past week. Coming back to London today has
highlighted to me just how out of hand the littering situation is in our area.

I have spent such a long time exchanging emails over this matter - now something needs to
be done. The streets are not cleaned often enough, and are not cleaned well enough. There
is always resistance to change, but something needs to change. Considering the job that
Westminster does, and even Southwark and Wandsworth across the river in even more
central areas, there really can be no valid reason that explains why this area cannot be as
clean as those - not that being 'central' is any excuse - in fact, it should be a reason to do an
even better job than usual!

Firstly, the roads need to actually be cleared fully of litter and detritus - this is never done,
as it is in other areas. I accept that the standard will then drop, and then once the standard
drops to a certain level, the litter needs to be cleared again.

This is not an unreasonable request - it is exactly as the system is supposed to work. Areas
that are actually clean are respected more. This area is never actually clean, and so people
don't bother to keep it clean. It is simply common sense. I am not asking for the roads to be
kept spotless all the time. But they need to be cleaned properly, and regularly. There should
be some level of pride in the appearance of this area.

Please recognise that this is a problem, and that this problem can be solved. I have done all
that I can as a resident - it is up to Camden to do as they should do.
Best regards,
Owen Ward