Thank you to local litter heroes for keeping our streets and parks clean

Litter heroes come together through all seasons of the year to clear away rubbish and help make the area a place to be proud of.

More than 14 tonnes of rubbish was collected by volunteers in 2018, along with just under four tonnes collected during Keep Britain Tidy’s 2019 Great British Spring Clean which ran from 22 March to 23 April.

North East Lincolnshire Council supported volunteers by loaning litter picking equipment and arranging the removal of rubbish collected.

Now, thanks to a grant from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, the council will be giving away a litter pick kit and a voucher to eligible community groups as a thank you.

Cllr Stewart Swinburn, portfolio holder for environment, said: “North East Lincolnshire has some extremely dedicated community groups who work tirelessly to make their community a place to be proud of.

“I would like to say a huge thank you to everyone who helps to keep our streets and parks clean. It’s great to see the community come together to make a difference.

“To show our appreciation, we will be giving litter pick equipment such as litter pickers, brushes, shovels, litter bag hoops, gloves and high visibility waistcoats to community groups, as well as a voucher so that they can continue their hard work with their own kit.”

The litter picking groups that have been offered the kit and a voucher to support their activities are:

• Cleethorpes Community Group
• Grimsby in Bloom
• Centre 4
• Brigsley Parish Council
• Friends of Weelsby Woods
• Ebb and Flo
• St James’ School
• Park Care

If you’re interested in doing a litter pick, visit www.nelincs.gov.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Litter-pick-guidance-April-19.pdf for guidance on what you need to do, or email cleanandgreen@nelincs.gov.uk.

North East Lincolnshire Council has several sets of litter picking equipment available to donate to volunteer groups that have carried out three litter picks in the last three years. The equipment includes hi-vis jackets, gloves, litter pickers, bags and hoops to hold bags open.

This would allow the group to clean up the local environment and the council will provide you with advice and guidance on how to do collection and disposal of waste in a safe and effective way.

Along with the community groups taking part, the council also supports younger groups from schools, The Local Wildlife Watch, Beavers, Cubs and Scouts. These groups can use these activities to work towards World Challenge Awards and Environmental Conservation Activity Badge.

If you’d be interested in receiving one of the kits, contact cleanandgreen@nelincs.gov.uk.