Abandoned shopping trolleys in Gainsborough are an increasing issue – and Conservative-led West Lindsey District Council is consulting on a plan to tackle it.

Under Schedule 4 to the Environmental Protection Act 1990 the local authority can put in place a scheme to charge supermarkets for every trolley it has to collect from the street, and the supermarket must pay before it can get the trolley back.

Cllr. Mrs. Sheila Bibb, who represents the Gainsborough North ward, said:

“Most supermarkets are responsible and take all possible steps they can to prevent their trolleys being taken.

“However, abandoned trolleys are a significant concern in Gainsborough and I am approached by people on a weekly basis asking me what the council is doing about it because they make the area look untidy and uncared for. I also see people walking the trolleys out of the supermarket car parks and we need to take steps to prevent this.”

Cllr. Mrs. Gill Bardsley, Vice-Chairman of the Prosperous Communities Committee, who also represents the Gainsborough North ward, said:

“We are looking at the possibility of introducing a set of proposed charges to incentivise methods of stopping trolleys from being taken from shops which should see a reduction in the number of trolleys abandoned around Gainsborough.”

This approach has been taken in other areas of the country and has resulted in a significant reduction abandoned trolleys. The scheme, while imposing a financial penalty, is intended to encourage supermarkets to take steps to prevent trolleys being taken in the first place.

Shoppers are reminded that removing a trolley and not returning it could be considered as theft, or as fly tipping if the trolley is dumped.

Consultation is open from 15th January 2018 – 26th February 2018. Details of the scheme and surveys can be found at www.west-lindsey.gov.uk/shoppingtrolley or in the reception at the Guildhall.