AN ANDOVER photographer is calling on the community to take greater responsibility in keeping Anton Lakes and the surrounding area free of litter.

Brian Cartwright, 77, who has lived near Anton Lakes since 1989, is deeply concerned about rubbish being discarded in and around the lake.

He shared a collection of photographs, which shows rubbish scattered around the nature reserve. 

Despite regular efforts by the Anton River Conservation Association (TACA) and Test Valley Borough Council, Mr Cartwright said the problem shows no sign of decline.

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“I can't imagine why people would throw rubbish in the lake,” he said.

“It’s people’s responsibility after all. We’ve got bins all around the lake - why don’t they take their rubbish with them?”

Mr Cartwright highlighted the inconsiderate behaviour of some visitors who discard items like bread bags and drink cans, often leaving them just steps away from the bins provided.

“People have drinks, and instead of throwing them in the bin, you quite often find rubbish thrown very near to a bin. People just won't walk four or five more steps to the bins.”

The council and TACA have taken steps to address the issue by providing more bins in the area, installing signs urging people not to feed ducks with bread and organising regular litter picks.

However, Mr Cartwright believes more needs to be done to change public attitudes.

“They put notices up, saying don't feed the ducks bread, but people do. And then when they empty the bread bag, they just discard the bag, which often ends up in the lake,” he said.

He also expressed frustration with some dog walkers who, despite using dog waste bags, discard them in the hedges instead of using the nearby bins.

“We've got bins all around the lake for doggy bags and for rubbish, and people will walk along or have picnics and just discard rubbish where they are,” he said.

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(Image: Brian Cartwright) Among the pictures he shared is an image that he found particularly disheartening - a picture of a brown trout struggling to navigate through rubbish in the lake.

He acknowledged that the council is doing what it can, but Mr Cartwright believes that better communication and education are crucial in changing people’s behaviour.

“I don't see what the council can do more. But we need to get the message across to people to take your rubbish home or put it in the bins.”