Tour de France cleanup is yet to be completed, says Leeds waste company

A Leeds-based waste management company has likened the waste left in the county by the Tour de France to a “lazy neighbour leaving his Christmas lights up until Easter”.

BigGreen.co.uk says many of the signs of the Tour’s Grand Départ, which took place six months ago, are still visible, including the graffiti that adorns the streets.

With another world class cycling event coming to the county in May, BigGreen.co.uk spokesperson Mark Hall worries the cleanup from the Tour will not be completed by the time the peloton passes through again.

“We're based right in the heart of last year's Tour de France route,” says Hall, “and it pains us to see that the clear-up from last year's events still hasn't been completed.”

He adds: “Don't get us wrong, we loved the Tour, and it brought out the very best from England's best county, but it's getting a little embarrassing to see so much Tour promotional stuff still in place.

“It's like your lazy neighbour leaving his Christmas lights up until Easter.”

>>> Council removes ‘graffiti’ Tour de France road markings

The Tour de Yorkshire, between May 1-3, will see the world’s best cyclists descend once again on the northern county and BigGreen.co.uk believe the waste hangover from 2014 should be dealt with before the race.

“We've got another world-class event coming this May in the shape of the Tour de Yorkshire," Hall continues, “and once again the eyes of the world will be upon us as some of the best cyclists in the world return to the county.

“Who's going to pay for the clean-up from last year's events? It shouldn't cost much to make that final effort, and it will be cash well spent.”

But Harrogate cyclist Sophie Metcalfe told Cycling Weekly that there were few reminders of the Tour's passing around her area.

“All I know is there is little trace of the Tour de France ever being in North Yorkshire now,” she said. “But I’m looking forward to the so-called ‘graffiti’ returning to the roads when the Tour of Yorkshire happens in May.”

Have you noticed any unwanted legacies of the Tour de France in Yorkshire? Do you think the road marking should be preserved? Let us know via Twitter or Facebook