By Future of Sidney Park bright following tireless effort by community
A community litter pick regularly takes place at Sidney Park, usually on Monday by local children concerned about their local area.
The group consists of children from local schools in the area, coming together to tackle the clean-up in the park. There has been praise for the schoolchildren taking concerns for their community and environment into their hands.
There was information posted on social media about the event, which runs every Monday and they meet at the Football Club, at 4 pm. The group provides free PPE to volunteers and runs every week at Sidney Park.
Speaking about their latest effort, The Sidney Park Partnership said on social media:
“This afternoon we litter picked the whole park removing 8 bags of rubbish and a chair from the pond. Thank you to everyone who helped out, the park is looking amazing.
“And in an attempt to bring more birds to the Jubilee Garden we’ve varnished loads of bird boxes painted by local families ready to go up in the trees next week, put loads of park-made bird feeders around the park, and the children tonight even made eco-friendly bird feeders to take home with them.
“Everyone at the SPP loves watching the community coming together on Monday nights, together we will make a better, more colourful, and safer Sidney Park.”
“Residents actually getting in the pond itself to clean it and ensuring activities are being developed with some of our younger residents.” Councillor Marie Green said.
“One of the most important steps forwards is a litter pick in there led initially by Jenny from Vanel and Gareth Kaye. Their Green Influencers group visits the park weekly and completes a park-wide litter pick which I think is amazing that young people show such concern. They have also been gardening and are developing a new micro park within the area of the football pavilion.
“I complete my own litter picks as I realise how difficult it is for young people to learn the value of a clean environment and recognise the strength of putting litter in bins. Unfortunately, we have no bins actually in the park itself, they have been taken away by our council.
“The Big local and the residents are themselves trying to identify and promote the activities we have had in the past. Where are our youth clubs and Sure Starts, no wonder our kids get into trouble? What is our local council doing to support kids and parents.” she added.
Councillor Marie Green, a representative voice of the area, has been concerned about the state of the park and its safety.
“Given the fact that the local children are taking such an interest in the environment they are living in, it seems dreadful to leave the pond in the state it is.
“It seems so unfair that we are being asked to encourage children to be responsible for their environment and we are exposing them to so many risks.” She added.
(Image: Sidney Park Partnership)
