Following on from a campaign by Reading Green Party, Tesco on Napier Road has agreed to collect its trolleys left around the Newtown area by inconsiderate shoppers.

The trolleys are a nuisance blocing roads and pavements on land and disrupting boaters, fishermen and wildlife when in the river as well as worsening flooding.

The campaign which has been running for a number of years consisted of some stunts covered by the local papers and meetings with Tesco. First Green Party member Rob White and friends did a trolley round-up in Newtown collecting 20+ trolleys in a week. Second Greens Rob and Adrian Windisch fished a trolley out of the river Kennet and delivered it to Tesco complete with pond weed and stink. Third Green activists Rob and Maitalal Gurung collected more trolleys in Newtown and threatened Tesco with sending them to be scrapped. Rob raised the issue at a Newtown Neighbourhood Action Group (NAG) meeting. He also complained to Tesco on a number of occasions and finally had a meeting with them at which they said they would consider employing someone to collect trolleys from Newtown. After some chasing, Rob was told that they wouldn‘t be employing anyone new, but that some of their existing staff would be visiting the Newtown area every Wednesday and Thursday and collecting trolleys.

Rob said: “While out door knocking residents always raise the issue of Tesco trolleys littering the area and causing problems for people and wildlife.”

”Getting a commitment from Tesco to take action is a great success for the Green Party and the Newtown area. If all goes to plan this should reduce the blight and hazard resulting from Tesco trolleys.”

“If people don‘t notice any difference then I‘d like to know about it. Alternatively if Tesco miss a trolley or a hidden corner of Newtown, then I‘m sure the Trolley Manager at the local store would appreciate a call on 0118 9807400”

ENDS

Notes for the Editor

1. For more information please contact Rob White on 07985 923938 or 0118 950 4062.