An open letter from Wirral Council

Earlier today, Wirral Council was obliged to write more in sorrow than in anger about the selfish minority who create unpleasantness - and hard work - for others, for no apparent reason.

A very good afternoon to everyone except those who clearly haven't worked on improving their behaviour over the last 12 months.

Yes, we know it's been a while and things have been tough, but there's no excuse for the absolute mess of litter we've all been left with at our parks, beaches and outdoor spots.

This is not OK. We know most people do the right thing, but on warm sunny days, bins get filled faster than we can empty them and there will always be more litter than bin capacity.

If a bin is full, please don't leave bags next to it. Find another or take your litter home with you. If you leave it anywhere that's not in a bin it can easily blow away.

Put simply, if you were able to bring something, take it away with you. Leave nothing but footprints and keep our borough beautiful. Huge thanks to our crews and volunteers who are already cleaning up for other people.

Unfortunately we've also had reports of large groups of people drinking, using nitrous oxide canisters and causing anti-social behaviour.

As a reminder, Public Space Protection Orders (PSPOs) are still in place at the Dips in New Brighton and West Kirby beach/Cubbins Green which prohibit criminal and antisocial behaviour like congregating, drinking, drug-taking and littering.

Like it or not, we still have national restrictions in place and the roadmap to normality does not make any exception for a bit of sunshine.

It's important to keep going so we all have the best chance of taking the next step out of restrictions and getting that haircut on 12 April.

Thank you to everyone who is doing their bit, we all appreciate it.