'LITTER kills' is the latest warning from Oxford City Council as it steps up a campaign to stop people leaving their rubbish at Port Meadow.

Two cows died at the common land on the banks of the Thames last month because they ate rubbish which had been left behind by people enjoying the warm weather and lifting of lockdown.

Oxford City Council has now started dishing out £150 a piece fines to anyone it catches littering at Port Meadow.

And it has warned that those caught littering frequently could be fined as much as £2,500 by magistrates.

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As part of a campaign to deter littering, the council has also started leaving posters with photos of the dead cows around the meadow.

It has also stepped up rubbish collections in the area too, and its contracting arm, ODS, has previously said this has required 'round the clock' work.

Oxford Mail:

A seven-month-old calf which died last month. Picture: Oxford City Council

Linda Smith, the city council cabinet member for leisure and parks, said: “Litter on Port Meadow kills. Literally.

"Two cows have died from eating rubbish, and cows, horses and swans have suffered multiple injuries that include glass cuts and getting entangled in plastic.

"This is completely unacceptable and I have a very simple message for people who think it is okay to litter. It is not okay. Your litter kills.

"Take it home with you or face a £150 fine.”

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Julian Cooper, Port Meadow ranger, added: “The litter is taking a really serious toll and it really does put the future of the meadow and its wildlife very much at risk. What we’re really asking people to do is be responsible.

"We welcome careful, responsible users and the vast majority of people are. But if you’re coming here for a picnic, take your rubbish home. There is no excuse for leaving any rubbish behind.”