Bay Roberts council decries ‘ridiculous’ litter

By Olivia Bradbury / Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Town councillors found themselves agreeing with a resident last meeting that some people are being thoughtless by leaving their litter on the parking lot of the Bay Roberts Shopping Centre.

The discussion was sparked by a letter from a resident of George Mercer Drive who expressed concern about speeding, noise, and litter caused by drivers at the mall. 

Mayor Geoff Seymour agreed that some people who park or drive on the mall parking lot leave a great deal of garbage around, some of which ends up on the properties of nearby residents. Deputy Mayor Neil Kearley noted the owners of the mall have someone who picks up garbage fairly frequently. He added the resident who wrote council was likely referring to trash that blows from the mall parking lot to the residential properties across the street. 

Councillor Dean Franey concurred with that assessment allowing that mall staff can only clean up garbage on mall grounds, not material which ends up on private property.

“It’s too bad because I get to travel a bit for work,” said Franey. “When I’m on the mainland, I’ve never seen them throwing garbage out like I’ve seen here.” 

Franey said there is McDonald’s garbage scattered on the same part of Central Street every morning, suggesting the same driver litters there every day after finishing breakfast. “That’s ridiculous (behaviour),” he said.

Mayor Seymour pointed out it’s the responsibility of all drivers to keep safety in mind, follow the posted speed limits, and dispose of garbage in receptables located throughout the town or at home. 

“There’s absolutely no reason to throw the stuff outside,” said Seymour. “You need to be a responsible citizen both in your driving and your own habits with garbage.”

Council passed the resident’s letter on to the Town’s protective services division for follow up.