Volunteer litter pickers spring into action

Residents from across the city rolled up their sleeves and got stuck into the Great British Spring Clean events at the weekend.

Despite the unpredictable weather, residents turned out in force to take part in events and help rid their neighbourhoods of unsightly litter.

Working with support from the council’s Tidy Up Teams, and armed with litter pickers and sacks, dozens of volunteers got together to tackle litter hotpots across the city.

The weekend saw the official launch of the Tidy Up Teams at a litter pick event and silent disco in Preston Park, and the team also joined forces with residents in Stanmer Park Woods, Blakers Park and the Three Cornered Copse. 

In total 80 residents, including adults and children, collected more than 120 bags of rubbish over a three hour period. 

Councillor Gill Mitchell, chair of the environment, transport and sustainability committee, said: “I would like to thank all the adults and children that took part in the tidy up. It’s great to see communities coming together to join the Great British Spring Clean and help us tidy up their neighbourhoods."

Cllr Mitchell, who teamed up with litter pickers at Preston Park, added: “Not only are local people improving the appearance of their neighbourhoods they are also encouraging residents to take more care of their local environment.”

Anyone interested in becoming a Tidy Up Team volunteer can visit the council's website and fill in an online form. They will then be added to the waiting list for a training course.