Another Ogmore river Clean up, and yet another poor attendance by members but despite this, another small mountain of debris was collected and removed. One of the most pleasing aspects of this weeks operation, due to the low water recently, the clean up team were able to tackle the Tesco banks and town waters. All anglers and visitors alike can testify this area has recently been the scene of many stolen and abandoned supermarket trolleys, resulting in one of the most littered and polluted areas of the Ogmore. Approximately half a mile of the water course, was cleared which saw 13 trolleys recovered and about two ton of miscellaneous items including microwave ovens, vehicle tyres and of course the odd bicycle.

Ironically, while photographing the rubbish for this article (which was deposited in the Tesco car park for council collection) a young couple, baby in pram, with their weekly shopping in a trolley walked out of the car park across the access bridge and away home. No security, no flashing lights, no anti thief device, not even a trolley boy to stop this daylight crime being committed. Most people would not have given it another thought, but standing there next to the pile of trolleys and debris collected, also fully aware of the amount of effort that has gone into retrieving these items from our river. I just filled with anger and began wondering how long would it take, for yet another trolley to find it's way in to the bottom of the Ogmore.

Armed with the above evidence I contacted the current Tesco store manager at Brewery fields, Bridgend, Paul Collingridge, firstly to report this crime and to find out the store's policy regarding it's security. To date his only comment has been "No Comment".

When are these huge supermarket chains going to realize the impact their neglect is causing to the natural environment and our local amenities. On average each trolley cost's £75.00, within 3hrs we had recovered nearly a £1000.00 worth of trolleys, however, don't worry too much, the likes of Tesco, will never be out of pocket. Any thief, bad debts, loss of trolleys will not effect their profits, it will simply be added to the cost of your next weeks shopping bill. Yes, that's right, take a good look that smiling face, leaving Tesco's with his trolley, because the next time you purchase your groceries, you will be paying for his crime....................!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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