Litter picks organised across Fenland for Great British Spring Clean

A number of Fenland’s volunteer Street Pride groups have organised litter picks as part of Keep Britain Tidy’s mass-action environmental campaign – and are urging residents to roll up their sleeves and join them.

People are also being encouraged to hold their own litter picks during the event, which is being held across the UK between March 20 and April 13.

RELATED: Peterborough groups to tidy city’s grot spots during Great British Spring Clean

Anyone wanting to hold their own clean-up can contact Fenland District Council to borrow litter pickers, equipment and bags. The council will also collect and safely dispose of any rubbish collected, recycling as much of it as possible.

Cllr Peter Murphy, the council’s portfolio holder for the environment, said: “As a council we already sweep the streets and collect litter seven days a week, 52 weeks of the year – cleaning over 11,000 miles of streets and 210 million square metres of open spaces.

“We are supported by our fantastic volunteer Street Pride groups and individuals who help keep their towns and villages clean and tidy throughout the year – but there is always more work to do. Research shows that people are more likely to litter where litter is already present, so small actions can make a big difference.

“Hundreds of Fenland residents were among more than 560,000 volunteer litter heroes taking part in last year’s campaign. This year we’d love to see even more people get involved as we take a stand against litter and stop it from damaging our environment.”

The nine community clean-ups taking place in Fenland are:

Wisbech St Mary Street Pride – Saturday, March 21, 10am, meet at the parking bays adjacent to Wisbech St Mary Primary Academy, Churchfield Way

Leverington Street Pride – Saturday, March 21, 10am, meet at Leverington Sports and Social Club, Church Road

Wimblington Street Pride – Saturday, March 28, 10am, meet at Wimblington Parish Hall, Addison Road

March Street Pride – Tuesday, March 31, 10am, meet at the George Campbell Leisure Centre, City Road (members of staff from Amey and Greenvale AP will also be joining in)

Christchurch Street Pride – Saturday, April 4, 10am, meet at the Community Centre, Upwell Road

Chatteris Street Pride – Saturday, April 4, 10am, meet at Church Lane car park

Tydd St Giles Street Pride – Saturday, April 4, 10.30am, meet at the post box opposite the Church

Wisbech Street Pride – Wednesday, April 8, 10am, various locations (email [email protected] for more information)

Murrow Street Pride – Saturday, April 11, 10am, meet at The Bell Inn, Murrow Bank

Manea Street Pride – Saturday, April 11, 10.30am, meet at the Meat and Eat Café, High Street.

Among the groups and individuals holding their own clean-ups are members of Ladysmith WI in Whittlesey. They will be undertaking a litter pick in Whittlesey town centre on Wednesday, March 25, between 11am and noon.

Anyone wanting to join one of the Street Pride events is welcome to turn up on the day – equipment will be provided. Alternatively, contact Rebecca Robinett on 01354 654321 or email [email protected] to be put in touch with the organisers.

PLAN YOUR OWN LITTER PICK

Anyone wanting to organise their own litter pick should first register their event with Keep Britain Tidy at: www.keepbritaintidy.org/get-involved/support-our-campaigns/great-british-spring-clean (This enables them to keep track of all the good work going on across the country).

Once you have registered, you can contact Rebecca on the details above to borrow litter picking equipment.

Residents can share their photographs and stories of the event with the council by tweeting @FenlandCouncil wtih the hashtag #GBSpringClean. Alternatively, you can email photos to the Street Pride email above.

For more information on the campaign, visit: www.keepbritaintidy.org.