A PARISH councillor has pleaded with authorities to clean up their act over the increasing amount of litter around his village.

Overton parish Councillor Brian Langer is growing increasingly concerned about the amount of rubbish on roadsides leading into the village and is particularly upset about the B3051 and the C29, which have both seen mounds line their bushes and trees in recent weeks.

The retired AA employee believes the litter gives a “bad impression” of the village and is worried about the effect it could have on wildlife in the area.

Cllr Langer, who has lived in the village for more than 45 years, said: “The litter always becomes more noticeable after the farmers do their hedge cutting after the winter. It’s particularly bad this year and it’s really not good for the wildlife.

“I know it’s a country wide issue but I don’t understand why people don’t have respect for the lovely countryside we have around this area.”

Asked what action he would like to see, he replied: “Firstly I would prefer it if people didn’t throw litter in the first place.

“But I think there is a need for a blitz on litter at this time of year – after the farmers have done their hedge work and before vegetation starts to grow back which makes it more difficult for the litter to be picked up.”

Head of community services at Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council, Tim Boschi, said: “We are aware of litter on both of these roads and in this area generally.

“We are currently litter picking the A34 and the A303, which will take us the next two weeks or so.

“After these roads have been tackled, we will look at scheduling work to litter pick on the B3051 and the C29 during early to mid April.”