WAIST HIGH IN WASTE

Flattery gets immediate attention. 

The Dame's friend draws attention to the increased fouling of our streets. 

Not just Thames Water spilling excrement into our homes but residents doing their bit by dumping litter everywhere.

One day we might yearn to be colonised by Singapore with its zero tolerance for anti-social behaviour and littering.

Perhaps our once highly disciplined country can now only be run in an authoritarian manner. 

Dear Much Revered Dame,

I have lived and worked on Ledbury Road W11 for 25 years. 
Rubbish dumping and litter has become much worse everywhere, especially on and along mixed residential and commercial streets.

There is casual rubbish dumping mainly from take away food outlets nearby.
Also,  new renters leave bags out on the wrong days at the wrong times allowing foxes to tear into the bags, and once a bag is left out on the public footpath others come along and throw their takeaway food wrapping and drinks on top!
People leave all their shopping’s packaging without flattening it and tying it up with string. Then more rubbish is added by others.
I've been trying to deal with the local councillors but it is a losing fight.
So I have taken up litter picking on some Sunday afternoons along Ledbury Road (South-eastern side) as a white-haired, 'little old lady' of short stature.

The trouble is I am ignored when out and about with my litter picker.
No one sees me and I am not getting any message across.

Would the DAME have some serious, actual suggestions for me how to get noticed? 

??

A costume that will get attention? Signs to wear?

I fear that our council,  RBKC,  in order to appear to keep our tax down, is not allocating enough financial resources to pay for SUEZ to clean our streets and public footpaths often enough - I feel lucky to see it done once every few weeks in my area.

It is time for public action?

Two days ago I noticed an older white-haired gentleman bend over to retrieve coffee cups dumped in someone's front garden along Chepstow Crescent. I said thank you to him and he straightened up and looked me clear in the eyes with a warm smile.
He told me he cannot stand the dumping anymore and so he, like me, goes out, ignominiously, and does what he can to help clear the rubbish left when people sit on the front garden walls to eat/drink and then chuck the rest in the garden!

I want to appear bold when I litter pick so everyone sees me.  Not being an actor, or having an interesting wardrobe, may I have suggestions (law abiding) please?

Yours faithfully,

Mrs  xxxxxx
Ledbury Road, W11