Salisbury locals still advised not to litter pick over novichok fears

Local leaders call for Public Health England to rescind guidance issued after attack on former Russian spy Sergei Skripal in 2018

Health officials have refused to rescind guidance to people living in and around Salisbury not to pick up litter as fears linger over the dangers posed by the novichok poisonings more than three years ago.

Local leaders have called for people in rural areas surrounding the city to be allowed to resume litter picking so they can clean up areas. But Public Health England said they could not be sure it was safe. As a precaution PHE continues to advise the public not to pick up any items. The advice remains if you didn't drop it, then don't pick it up'," a spokeswoman said.