Cassiobury Park littering 'shameful' amid heatwave picnics

Families have been making the most of recent sunny weather by visiting the park, but pictures have emerged showing "filthy" waste strewn across the grass - particularly around bins.

What appears to be a broken chair dumped in a park bin on Monday. (Image: Valerie Grover)

Watford resident Valerie Grover has called for people to pitch-in and help clean up after being shocked by the amount of food waste and random litter.

She told the Watford Observer that she spoke to a family on Monday (July 30) who had visited from London because they remembered how “beautiful” Cassiobury Park is.

They were apparently “appalled” by the rubbish scattered in the car park, as well as around a bridge, and unsure if they would return because of it.

Visitors from London said they were appalled after seeing this rubbish by the rustic bridge on Monday. (Image: Valerie Grover)

“After a sunny Sunday, Cassiobury park is used as a rubbish dump,” Valerie said. “A top ten park, supposedly the jewel in Watford’s crown? Really?

“With scenes like this, who would want to come to picnic here.”

She returned the next day to find more piles of rubbish, adding that contractors had cleared up the waste she had seen the day before but “can’t keep up with the volume”.

Rubbish dumped around where families were enjoying picnics on Monday. (Image: Valerie Grover)

Other park visitors have also voiced anger over the “shameful” state of the park during recent visits and the “disrespect” litterers have shown.

One said they have a guide dog and worry about going through the park in case it gets at open waste, while another claimed they tried handing out bin liners to help people keep the park tidy but were laughed at by those making a mess.

In a post to social media yesterday, Watford Borough Council shared another resident’s image of food and drink containers left around a bin that does not appear to be near full.

“Please use the bins provided throughout the park,” the message said. “Don't leave rubbish in overflowing bags next to bins - foxes tear these apart, scattering litter everywhere.

Rubbish left by a tree in Cassiobury Park. (Image: Valerie Grover)

“We've had reports of dumped waste, which can be harmful to the local wildlife and dogs being walked in the park.

“Please make sure you dispose of all rubbish responsibly. If your rubbish doesn't fit in a bin, please take it home with you.

"By working together, we can preserve the park's beauty and safety for everyone.”

More waste found lying around on Tuesday. (Image: Valerie Grover)