Communities are being encouraged to get involved in a national litter-picking initiative aimed at keeping North Yorkshire clean and tidy.
Keep Britain Tidy’s Great British Spring Clean campaign, which runs from 13th to 29th March, is calling on residents to show that they love where they live by taking part in a mass action litter pick.
North Yorkshire Council offers help to those organising a community clean-up by giving advice and loaning equipment such as hi-vis vests, litter pickers and bags, and can arrange for the clearance of litter collected.
Through the campaign, the charity is asking residents to pledge to pick one bag or more of litter from streets, parks, beauty spots and beaches to protect communities and wildlife habitats.
North Yorkshire Councillor Richard Foster, said:
“Many residents and community groups carry out litter-picks all year round, helping to keep our green spaces clean and protect wildlife from harmful waste.
“We work with town and parish councils as well as community groups to ensure that organised litter-picks run smoothly, and this campaign is a great way of putting the issue into the spotlight.
“I would encourage everybody to get involved in the Great British Spring Clean. By collecting just one bag of rubbish, it creates cleaner spaces for people to enjoy, and means the county is a more attractive place to live and visit.”
Stan Cullen-Shute, 10, and sister Mali, 6, who live in Denton near Ilkley, gave up some of their weekend to clean up the local area.
After an hour, they had gathered a bag full of litter, doing their best to clear the verges.
They said:
"Inspired by our neighbour, we spent a Sunday afternoon walking up the lane with a litter picker and a bin bag, and picked up a load of rubbish, including takeaway wrappers and coffee cups. People can be inconsiderate sometimes.
“We hope we can make a bit of a difference and are proud to play a role in keeping Denton clean and lovely for anyone who visits.”
Keep Britain Tidy’s Chief Executive, Allison Ogden-Newton OBE, said:
“We are so grateful for the amazing support from North Yorkshire.
“The Great British Spring Clean is a fantastic way for councils to support residents to really show their pride in where they live, and connect with like-minded people, while taking serious and immediate action to protect the environment on their doorstep.
“We are humbled to see our army of Litter Heroes volunteers carrying out these acts of kindness to make the planet a cleaner, safer place for our future generations.”
See more information on organising a community litter-pick and access support here.
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