A HUGE clean-up operation has amassed a staggering 1,000 bags of litter - all from a handful of north Cumbrian roads.

The litter-picking drive, which wraps up today, has been carried out by Carlisle City Council along roads totalling 94 miles in length.

Starting last Monday, the council estimates the operation has collected about 1,000 bags’ worth of litter from the roads under their authority - from the A689 between Carlisle and Brampton to the A7 through Longtown, as well as the western bypass.

With the A6 connecting Carlisle to Penrith and numerous smaller roads also receiving the de-littering treatment, the council has succeeded in sprucing up highways that a senior councillor said should not have needed so much attention.

The city council’s portfolio holder for environment and transport, councillor Chris Southward, stressed that the clean-up operation should serve as a reminder to potential litterers.

“Littering is completely unnecessary and is a waste of local taxpayers’ money cleaning it up,” said Mr Southward.

“There is no excuse to throw litter out of vehicles.

“It’s harmful to the environment and puts our staff at risk when they have to clear it up.”

Mr Southward added that ensuring the safety of both council employees and road users was their top priority during the operation, but that clearing the roadsides had meant an unavoidable risk to the clear-up team, given the proximity to high-speed traffic.

In addition to the risk to the council team, Mr Southward also highlighted the extent of the environmental risk posed by roadside littering.

“The RSPCA receive more than 5,000 calls a year about litter, Mr Southward said.

“ Wildlife are the main victims when it comes to people’s rubbish - particularly wild birds.

“Protecting animals from harmful rubbish is easy. Dispose of your rubbish responsibly by recycling, reusing or simply putting it in the bin.”

Further to the environmental risk, Highways England suggest that littering also causes a collision risk.

According to the government body, the risk of a collision is increased by left on highways, or by litter landing on windscreens.

On top of this, the dry summer months last year meant cigarettes discarded from moving cars carried a particular fire hazard.

Discarded cigarette butts also block roadside drains, increasing the risk of highway flooding during wet weather.

Last April, central government announced that local authorities were to receive the power to issue on-the-spot fines of up to £150 for those seen littering.

This was an increase of £70, from the previous maximum of £80 for littering.