Nest made of litter stirs eco-warrior (9)

A BUDDING eco-warrior is urging litter bugs to think twice about dropping rubbish, for the sake of local wildlife.

William Chico (nine), from New Waltham, felt so moved when he saw a pair of moorhens struggling to make a nest out of litter that he decided to write to the Grimsby Telegraph.

"I was just amazed," said William.

"I think it is very sad that the birds were using horrible rubbish people have dropped to make a nest for their eggs.

"I was upset about it and decided to write to the Grimsby Telegraph to ask people to stop dropping rubbish and to take better care of the environment."

William spotted the birds' nest while walking with his dad along the River Freshney.

The Signhills Junior School pupil already has a keen interest in wildlife and the environment.

"It is very easy for people to put their rubbish in the bin instead of just dropping it on the floor," he said.

"Things like crisp packets and wrappers can really harm the wildlife, like birds and fish.

"It is important to look after animals so they don't become extinct."

William's dad, Dan said his son is extremely thoughtful.

"I am very proud that he is so concerned about the environment at such an early age.

"Many children and even adults would have walked past the litter and not given it a second thought – but William was eager to do something about it so he put pen to paper.

"I think it is great that he felt so strongly to write in – he did everything by himself on his sister's laptop and was quite adamant that his mum and I must send it in.

"He is a mischievous lad sometimes but he has a heart of gold and he is very caring – especially towards animals."

Spencer Hunt, the council's service manager for Safer Communities, said: "It is nice to see our young people are taking a keen interest in our environment and supporting the work we do.

"The council takes a dim view on anyone caught littering and will bring proceedings against anyone caught discarding any kind of rubbish in an inappropriate and irresponsible manner.

"Keeping our streets clean contributes to healthier communities and can help protect the environment we live and work in."

Read his letter to the Grimsby Telegraph by clicking here.