SHOPPING trolleys abandoned in city streets have triggered calls from Hove residents and councillors for a clean-up .

The Tesco trolleys have been spotted around the store in Hove, including on Belfast Street and Norton Road.

Anita McGrath, a resident of central Hove said: “It is so frustrating. The chain and coin system works well in their other stores.”

Andrew Wealls, a councillor of Central Hove, said: “I’ve had a few complaints recently as there does seem to be a problem. Abandoned trolleys make the area look a mess and they can damage cars.”

He said that he would ask council officers about ways to eliminate the problem, including a suggestion for Cityclean to collect the trolleys and charge the store to retrieve them.

Coun Wealls said that he has been in contact with Tesco and wants to arrange a formal meeting to discuss the issue.

A spokesperson for Tesco said: “We want to be a good neighbour in all the communities we serve and work really hard to make sure trolleys are kept tidy.

“We have special locking mechanisms to prevent trolleys from being removed from the store grounds and regularly patrol the local area.”

Coun Wealls said that although there are locking mechanisms, they do not work all the time and this is what has led to the trolleys being abandoned away from the store’s site. Tesco said customers were asked not to take the trolleys off of the supermarket site and to return them immediately after using them.

What do you think of deserted trolleys?

Maria Miranda says: “People take the trolleys because they have too many bags to carry.”

Ima Blanco says: “I think it’s fine to take them as long as you bring them back.”

Gabriel Dominguez says: “If you leave them on the streets then it is not good.

“You should not take them.”