By Local residents encouraged to organise litter picks for Keep Britain Tidy campaign
After pledging its support for the Keep Britain Tidy annual campaign, North East Lincolnshire Council is encouraging residents in the borough to “do their bit” and organise their own litter picks.
The Great British Spring Clean, now in its sixth year, runs from 28 May to 13 June 2021.
It calls on the public to “pledge” a set amount of hours to go litter picking, helping the charity in their goal to achieve a million miles of litter-picking.
Both individuals and groups can pledge up to 24 hours at a time.
The charity has reported a huge increase in the amount of people who have started litter-picking during each of the Covid-19 lockdowns. In less than a year, the number of “litter heroes” have grown by a third.
The CEO of Keep Britain Tidy, Allison Ogden-Newton, said: “The Great British Spring Clean would not be possible without the support of local authorities, including North East Lincolnshire Council.
“We have all spent a lot more time in our local area in the past year and have come to realise just how important our local park or green space is for our mental and physical health.
“We need to care for these spaces and the Great British Spring Clean is an opportunity for everyone to take a small action that, collectively, can make a big difference.
“Whether you commit to do five minutes or five hours, every single pledge will help us reach our million-mile target and clear many tonnes of litter pollution from our environment.”
Councillor Stewart Swinburn, portfolio holder for environment and transport, said: “North East Lincolnshire has some extremely dedicated community groups who work tirelessly throughout the entire year to make their community a better place. We know communities can have a huge impact on their local area, helping to keep it clean and tidy – somewhere to be proud of.
“The Great British Spring Clean gives us all the opportunity to play our part and do our bit for the environment.
“You don’t have to be part of a community group to get involved. People are invited from all ages to come together to make a difference.
“I’d encourage as many people as possible to get involved, either as an individual or as part of a group. No matter how big or small your contribution is, it all makes a difference.”
Councillor Ron Shepherd, portfolio holder for safer and stronger communities, added: “As lockdown restrictions have eased over recent weeks, more and more people have been getting out and enjoying the outdoors. But please remember to respect the environment – put your rubbish in a bin or take it home with you. Littering will not be tolerated, and you face a £100 fine if you do.
“When people leave litter, it makes the place look a mess and it harms wildlife. If it’s left on the beach, it can wash into the sea where it poses a danger to fish and other marine animals. Don’t destroy what you’ve come to enjoy.”
If you live in North East Lincolnshire and want to get involved, pledge your support on the Keep Britain Tidy website and fill out a litter picking form on the council website here.
Volunteers will be asked to separate the litter they pick into two bags – one for plastic bottles and aluminium cans and one for the rest of the litter.
The council will then collect these bags from you to ensure everything is recycled appropriately.
For any queries, email cleanandgreen@nelincs.gov.uk.
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