With the large quantities of rubbish seen in our parks and on our beaches this summer, what better way to start the autumn than joining in the national effort to clean up the country,
Residents and community groups are invited to join the countrywide campaign ‘The Great British September Clean’ event hosted by Keep Britain Tidy, which will see hundreds of thousands of people across the UK pledge to litter pick in their area for as little as 15 minutes.
Postponed from the spring, the event is taking place Friday 11 – Sunday 27 September, and clean-ups can take place in any public space across the town, and it’s free to register.
Equipment such as litter pickers and sacks can be borrowed from Veolia – groups are limited to six as per the event guidelines. To collect the equipment, simply provide your registration number, which you will receive once registering on the Keep Britain Tidy website. Participants are urged to wear their own PPE (gloves and face masks).
Cllr Carole Mulroney, cabinet member for environment and planning, said: “The Great British Spring Clean is always well-supported, and it was a shame it was postponed, although for all the right reasons given the pandemic. I know the KBT team have been working very hard to get this event in place with the appropriate safety measures, and I applaud and thank them for that.
“We would like as many local residents and community groups as possible to take part and show how we can, working together, make Southend cleaner and greener. I know that the majority of residents take pride in our town, and community events like this really provide a welcome boost during what is continuing to be a challenging time.
“Veolia and the parks staff work incredibly hard throughout the year, and I know that residents have appreciated this dedication over the last few months. The event is approaching, and I urge everyone to get involved and keep our town tidy.”
Residents that would like to volunteer all year round and take part in litter picking activities, or would just like to find out more, should visit www.southend.gov.uk/street-care-cleaning