People being encouraged to take part in mass litter clean-up

Everyone is being encouraged to get set for the country’s biggest mass-action community clean-up this spring.

2021’s Great British Spring Clean gets underway later this week. Led by Keep Britain Tidy, the initiative encourages communities to tackle litter in their areas between May 28 and June 13.

This year organisers have set the Million Mile Mission, which involves individuals and groups pledging how much time they will spend litter picking, which is converted into miles in the hope that by the summer everyone can enjoy a cleaner, greener, litter-free environment. So far more than 780,800 miles have already been pledged.

You can read more at www.keepbritaintidy.org

West Suffolk Council will continue to lend its support by providing litter pickers and bin bags, as well as arranging for the waste to be collected from agreed locations that are accessible to vehicles. So far it has given out around 1,500 litter pickers to those taking part in keeping West Suffolk tidy all year around.

John Griffiths, the leader of West Suffolk Council, said: “Over 1,500 amazing individuals across West Suffolk volunteer year-round, helping to keep where they live looking beautiful. Getting outside became even more valuable during lockdown, and the Great British Spring Clean is a chance for everyone to express their appreciation of where they live by becoming a litter hero – even if that’s simply checking the pavement in front of your home is free of litter.”

And Peter Stevens, Cabinet member for Operations, added: “Individuals can request litter pickers and bags by going to www.westsuffolk.gov.uk/arrangelitterpick.cfm

“We ask that you then put whatever you collect in your wheelie bin. Or if you are supporting a community group effort and need us to pick up the bags you have collected, please arrange this in advance by contacting customer services on 01284 763233, or send an email to volunteers@westsuffolk.gov.uk Thank you.”