This morning, Tuesday the 12th of July 2022, Rutland residents awoke to littering and damage to the grass in Cutts Close.

The community park, used by families, dog walkers and other local people, plays host to a great deal of community led events, from the travelling circus to Oakham Town Council's summer concerts.

Sunday the 10th of July was no exception, with the Lord Lieutenant hosting the Party in the Park for veterans, military personal and local volunteers.

Sally-Anne Wadsworth litter picking on Sunday

A team of local people, including Oakham's Mayor Sally-Anne Wadsworth, could be seen after the event litter picking - which is what makes this sad display of disregard even more upsetting for the local people.

Litter under and around one of the benches near the shelter

Litter could be seen less than a metre from one of the five bins in the park, and grass was scorched behind one of the benches, causing potentially longer term damage to the area.

On top of this, open fire is a potential safety hazard, and the litter may be harmful to the wildlife, dogs, and young children.

Scorched grass and more litter at Cutts Close

Only a few months ago, one of the litter bins in the park was set on fire and has since been replaced.

Local resident Mary said: "I was very sad to see the park in this state at 6am. It should be a town to be proud of and I don't understand why someone would blight such a beautiful place."

More litter was found on the bandstand, which hosted bands The Bluebird Belles and Manky Beds this weekend

A dedicated team of volunteer litter pickers do work hard to keep the local area clean, but can we expect them to continue to pick up the slack of those who show little regard for the local area?

Would CCTV in the park stop this, and is it affordable?

Have your say by emailing [email protected].

We look forward to hearing from you.