Young girl writes to Darlington Council about town's litter problem

11-year-old Willow Oliver was visiting Darlington and Newton Aycliffe with her family. Her mother, Kayleigh is from Darlington originally, but the family now lives in the Yorkshire Dales.

Willow was shocked and confused about the sheer amount of litter on our streets as her Kayleigh explained her daughter is used to a very rural life and these sites were a shock to the system.

Willow's letter to Blue Peter about how she is endeavouring to help the environment any way she can

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The young eco-warrior was so stunned at all the rubbish that she penned a letter to Darlington Borough Council to air her views.

Willow wrote: “Dear Darlington Council,

“I am Willow and I am 11-year-old and I was recently in the area of Darlington, and I saw quite a lot of rubbish. I think that it should be looked after a bit better. I deeply understand that it is near a road but it deserves to be cleaned up. The worst thing is I saw Styrofoam which is very bad for the eco-system, as it breaks away into little bits, something needs to be done about it.

“I love to draw pictures to show how I feel about the world. I also think we could have signs to tell people not to litter. I have a green Blue Peter (badge) which shows that you (I) really care about the environment.

“I have some ideas on how to help clean up the landscape. I hope you listen.

1. More litter pickers

2. Cameras to see people littering

3. If you see litterers, report to police

4. The industries and factories in the area (should) use more recyclable materials

5. Signs to show that you cannot litter.

Yours Sincerely, Willow Oliver.”

Willow's letter to Darlington Borough Council

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Deputy leader of the council, Jonathan Dulston has written back to Willow, thanking her for her letter and suggestions and promised to look into the litter problem.

Councillor Dulston wrote: “Dear Willow,

“I was delighted to receive your letter this week about litter in our town.

“I agree with you that some of our area has litter problems. This is because some people are not responsible and care about our community like you and me.

“Thank you for your suggestions and I will make sure that we look into them for you.

“Keep up the good work.”

Councillor Dulston's letter to Willow

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Kayleigh said: “Willow’s always cared about the environment and she has two green Blue Peter badges to show for it.

“She was just shocked and confused when she saw all the rubbish. She said ‘I know it’s a town not the countryside but it’s not right for people to litter. They should care.’

“When she told me she had written a letter to the council she said ‘will they actually listen?’”

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