A council's attempt to combat littering has sparked controversy after victims of domestic violence condemned the 'triggering' posters featuring 'intimidating, masculine eyes' that cause anxiety for trauma survivors.
Backlash Against 'Hostile' Imagery
South Cambridgeshire District Council erected large posters along the B1050 between Bar Hill and Northstowe showing a pair of men's eyes alongside the words 'Littering It's A Crime'. The campaign was implemented following local frustrations about litter levels on the busy road.
Local councillor Dan Lentell revealed he has been approached by multiple residents who have suffered domestic abuse, expressing their discomfort with the imagery. 'I've been approached by women who I know have experienced the most appalling domestic abuse to ask if I can do something about this because they do not like having intimidating, masculine eyes staring at them with no context,' he stated.
Residents Speak Out About Trauma Triggers
The councillor added that he feared the posters could also be triggering for veterans with PTSD and anyone who has experienced violence. 'Councils shouldn't be intimidating tax payers. The posters are causing undeniable distress and are ill-considered,' Lentell emphasised.
Kayleigh, a nearby resident who has experienced trauma, told The Cambridge Independent that she finds the posters troubling. 'They make me feel uncomfortable. If someone has PTSD, it's not something that's nice to look at. It brought up negative feelings,' she explained. 'I have spoken to a couple of female friends who don't feel comfortable with them.'
She suggested alternative approaches: 'I understand the reason behind it, but I think if they put owl eyes up, or animal eyes, it would be a completely different feeling.'
Council Defends Campaign Despite Criticism
A spokesperson for South Cambs District Council defended the initiative, describing it as a trial campaign that drew inspiration from successful anti-littering campaigns used elsewhere in the UK, including Cornwall. The council claimed imagery featuring eyes has been effective in discouraging anti-social behaviour such as littering.
The council stated they checked with a local charity which supports women with experience of domestic abuse, and they did not consider the signs to be triggering. The campaign was developed following extensive consultation with stakeholders including parish, town and local councillors, and Highways officers.
The spokesperson highlighted that the trial has shown some success: 'The trial has been going for four weeks, and we have already seen a reduction in littering down from 13 bags to seven over a three-week sample period.'
Despite the controversy, the council maintains it takes community feedback seriously and remains committed to ensuring the posters are both impactful and respectful. The poster trial is currently set to run until April 6.
