‘Absolutely no excuses for such blatant disregard of walkway’

Several pairs of gloves were evident among numerous other items of litter spilling from the garbage receptacle near Gransha Lake.

One angry bypasser told the ‘Journal’ that they were absolutely disgusted to witness the mess on the busy Waterside greenway when they visited last weekend.

“On Saturday afternoon we decided to take a short walk along the river.

“We had just got out of the car to start the walk along the Waterside Greenway which is adjacent to the layby on the Foyle Bridge and we were greeted with the awful sight of an overloaded rubbish bin. Rubbish was strewn all over the footpath.

“This is a very busy spot so it’s understandable from time to time the bins will be full but our concern was about the amount of blue plastic gloves all over the place.

“There are absolutely no excuses for this blatant disregard for our greenspaces.

“I hope by contacting the paper people will see the story and think twice before doing this,” the irate walker blasted.

A local councillor said littering of this kind was totally unacceptable and posed a health risk to children during what is a continuing public health crisis.

Waterside Councillor Christopher Jackson said: “It’s very worrying that people are discarding the gloves in this way.

“These gloves should be disposed of safely and securely, not dumped along busy walkways.

“This is presenting dangers to children who may lift them or the likes of family pets and wildlife along the River Foyle. That’s not including the potential of passing on contamination that may be on the gloves.

“As we all start to ease out of COVID-19 I am appealing to people in the city to use common sense and dispose of these gloves in a safe manner that doesn’t put anyone in risk or accelerate this pandemic.

“Stay safe and be sensible.”