THE annual two-week clean-up of litter blighting the A505, including the Baldock bypass, will cost North Herts District Council (NHDC) taxpayers about �19,000.

The clean-up of the bypass is part of a major operation which runs from Letchworth to Royston and will also include the A507 to Buntingford.

Much of the work involves clearing up litter which has been thrown from passing cars. It includes items like food packaging, plastic bottles and carrier bags.

A spokesman for the council said: “As well as the unnecessary cost of cleaning it up, the litter is creating an environmental hazard for wildlife and is a major eyesore for North Herts residents and visitors, lowering people’s perceptions of the area in which they live and work.”

Cllr Peter Burt, NHDC’s portfolio holder for waste, recycling and environment, added: “It is quite frustrating that, in an economic climate such as this, we have to spend tens of thousands of pounds on a service that would largely be avoidable if drivers took their rubbish home with them.

“Littering on roads is hugely expensive to clean up. North Herts has some beautiful areas of countryside and we would encourage everyone to help keep them that way.”