The Great British Spring Clean
I read with interest the Political View columns in last week’s PT. Clearly the need for vindication was to the fore with politicians laying down their claims for your Vote in their favour with the City Council elections on May 7th, writes Conservative Group deputy leader Steve Allen. .
There is a volatile situation affecting the poll this year, from gripes surrounding the hastily re-established democratic process (after the ill-advised decision to cancel the elections by the local Labour coalition administration and its Lib Dem and Peterborough First cohorts). Together with a restlessness and dissatisfaction on the part of the public on so many levels – rising costs of petrol and the weekly shop, the escalating costs of enjoying simple pleasures, and increasing concerns regarding the escalation of war both in the middle east and the attritional conflict in Ukraine.
I will however veer away form those concerns with my comments for this week and address a positive initiative that sees the participation of many residents (and yes several Councillors) at this time. As with every year since its inception in 2016 there are thousands of residents giving up their time to participate in The Great British Spring Clean. Promoted by Keep Britain Tidy and intended to engender a positive impact on littering and fly tipping of household items.
I was first attracted to participate in the Eye Village litter pick on its inaugural year when arranged by the local WI group. Since 2017 I have organised these events in Eye and Newborough, and this joined residents in Abbey Park Thorney.
Each year we have seen regular returners and new faces joining us. Volunteer litter pickers play a vital role in maintaining cleaner, healthier, and more attractive communities. Their contribution goes far beyond simply removing rubbish; they help foster civic pride, protect wildlife, and support environmental sustainability in ways that benefit everyone.
One of the most immediate values of volunteer litter pickers is the visible improvement they bring to local environments. Streets, parks, and public spaces that are free from litter are more pleasant to live in and visit. Clean surroundings can positively affect people’s mood and encourage greater use of shared spaces. When areas are well cared for, they are also less likely to attract further littering or antisocial behaviour, creating a reinforcing cycle of respect and responsibility.
Environmental protection is another key benefit. Litter—especially plastics, cans, and broken glass—poses a serious threat to wildlife. Animals can ingest or become entangled in waste, often with fatal consequences. Volunteer litter pickers help reduce these risks by removing harmful materials before they can spread into natural habitats, waterways, or soil. Their efforts also help limit pollution, particularly microplastics, which can have long-term ecological impacts.
In addition, volunteer litter picking contributes to public health and safety. Sharp objects, hazardous waste, and broken materials can pose risks to people, especially children and pets. By clearing these dangers, volunteers help make public spaces safer. Cleaner environments are also linked to improved mental wellbeing, as people tend to feel more relaxed and positive in tidy, cared-for surroundings.
Locally we of course benefit the year-round efforts of Peterborough Litter Wombles and Mark Fishpool’s Pride in Our Community, but my fear is there are too many residents seemingly oblivious to the problems created by dumping their unwanted items for ‘someone else’ to deal with. These characters are nothing less than a disgrace to society. Indeed, one would ask if those involved have any regard to their responsibilities or a desire to part of civil society.
For those, perhaps the war on fly tipping is well and truly lost. And the only way to turn the tide is by increased vigilance, firmer enforcement and well publicised prosecutions and punishments.