In the ongoing battle of communities versus trash, score one win for the Arundel Neighborhoods Association.

After complaints from the association about trash behind several shopping centers along Ritchie Highway, county officials last month contacted property owners and notified them they have to maintain the areas.

Since then, association President Gary O'Neil said he has noticed a difference in the long-standing problem and praised Linda Harris, legislative aide to County Councilman Daryl Jones, D-Severn, and Dennis Lamont from the county Health Department for coming up with "a permanent solution."

"That is huge for...