VANDALS are being blamed for littering roads across Mid Cheshire in the early hours of Wednesday morning.
Council bosses are investigating after old papers and magazines were left strewn along roads in Winsford, Whitegate and Sandiway on the morning of the recycling collection. Some residents initially believed the recycling teams could be responsible, as the empty recycling bags were left by the side of the roads, but vandals are now being blamed.
Vale Royal Borough Council was informed of the problem of litter on Dalefords Lane in Whitegate, Delamere Street and Swanlow Lane in Winsford and Chester Road in Sandiway at 7.25am.
One witness said: 'It was a shocking mess - there were papers everywhere, particularly along Dalefords Lane which ordinarily is a very picturesque route. I assumed the recycling teams had spilt them by accident.'
The council's Streetcare Team was diverted from its regular duties and cleared all the newspapers and other paper by lunchtime.
A council spokeswoman said: 'Vale Royal Borough Council and SITA, our waste collection partner, were not responsible for the paper spillage. Our recycling collection staff were not operating in these areas at the time of the problem.
'The source of the spillages is being investigated and we believe that vandals or an unidentified vehicle may have deposited the newspapers from recycling bags.'
If anyone saw the incidents, or has further details, they should call 0800 435199 or e-mail environment@valeroyal.gov.uk.
