More than two tonnes of rubbish cleared from side of A27

Lewes District Council cleared 2.25 tonnes of litter and 17.5 tonnes of vegetation and soil blocking roadside drains from a 10km stretch of the carriageway over four nights last week.

The council's Environment First team worked between the Beddingham Roundabout and the Falmer slip road in stages from 9pm to 6am Monday to Thursday.

Energy drink cans, disposable coffee cups and contractor debris formed the bulk of the rubbish collected.

Environment First also installed "Keep the A27 Clean" signs beside the road, asking motorists to take their rubbish home and that cargos on trade vehicles should be safely secured.

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Councillor Julie Carr, cabinet member for recycling, waste and open spaces said: "It has been a difficult journey to organise this much-needed clearance of the A27 but a great result to get it done - thank you Environment First.

"Despite various attempts, we were unfortunately not able to schedule it with Highways England roadworks so paid for lanes to be closed as this work urgently needed to be carried out.

"Now it is crucial that everyone, from motorists to those responsible for trade vehicles, does their bit to keep the A27 clean."

The council said it hopes to tackle the corresponding eastbound stretch of the A27 later this month.

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Councillor Manley, founder of Litter Free Lewes said: "Having campaigned for a cleaner district and, in particular, a litter-free A27 for many years, I am absolutely thrilled that staff at Lewes District Council have made this happen, after many hurdles and challenges.

"We now have safer and better ways of working, and I am optimistic that the upkeep of cleaner verges is going to be significantly more manageable from here on. Huge thanks to the hard-working team on the ground."

Councillor Adrian Ross, Vice-Chairman of Lewes District Council added: "It was great to meet the whole A27 clean-up team and to be able to thank them for the amazing work that they're doing.

"I understand that it has been a long and frustrating journey to get here - getting the right training, obtaining Highways England permission and hiring the necessary cone-laying and safety vehicles - but it was absolutely worth it to see the verges finally clear of litter."