A two-pronged approach to combating highway litter is being considered by the Keep Richmond County Beautiful Committee.

In a meeting Tuesday afternoon, the committee made plans to seek information concerning establishing billboards for anti-litter messages, and ways to push for greater prosecution of defendants charged with littering and illegal dumping.

KRCB is a division of the Richmond County Chamber of Commerce. Its mission is to make Richmond County a clean, healthy and attractive area.

Emily Tucker, president of the chamber, reminded the group that keeping roadways clear of litter was very much an economic concern when it comes to business and industry development, and thereby production of jobs for the county.

KRCB members are considering delivering messages on billboards to the public in all directions throughout the county.

This effort may eventually solicit support from agencies involved in real estate since the condition of roadways can have an impact on local property values.

Gracie Jackson of the Dobbins Heights Town Council reported that the community recently held a successful cleanup campaign with the assistance of the N.C. Department of Transportation.

Tucker said she would work on messages which could be used in the anti-litter effort and would present them to the committee in June.

The message or message may also be considered for reproduction on posters for placement throughout the county.

The committee expressed an interest in taking an active role in fighting litter through public information and the courts.