It is every politician's responsibility to create an environment free from the sectarian symbolism of the past. If the PUP is serious about peace and progress, it will work towards the removal of these flags, and I would be interested to hear what proposals they have. Litter problems are caused by careless, thoughtless, selfish people. No area of the borough is litter-free. Children need to be educated about the problem, but judging by the variety and volume of the litter they are not the main offenders.
Councils have a responsibility, but so has everyone else.
A clean environment is important for everyone's wellbeing and it is unfair that selfish people should be able to destroy it at will. There is a need to deter the culprits by imposing significant fines and pressure put on manufacturers to reduce the amount of packaging. If elected to council, I will press for zero tolerance of litter and graffiti and explore ways of dealing with the problem. Councillor Mathews, who is standing as a Westminster candidate in East Antrim and in the Council elections in Larne, said transport is central to a good quality of life and economic development. Our roads are more congested.