Commitment to clean up Wealden continues for 2020

Wealden District Council has renewed its pledge to support the Great British Spring Clean whichwill see up to 600,000 people taking action to clean up streets, parks and beaches across the country.

Last year, 47 groups in Wealden held clean-ups collecting some 2.5 tonnes of rubbish. That’s the equivalent to 160 full household wheeled bins worth of litter. This year’s campaign run by environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy will be held from 20 March to 13 April and plans to be bigger and better than before.

Councillor, Roy Galley, Cabinet Member responsible for Waste Management said; “The response from our residents to last year’s Spring Clean was outstanding. We are hoping that even more people will want to take part this year.”

He added; “It is important we do all we can to keep our countryside and local communities free of all rubbish, especially plastics. Plastics are harmful to wildlife. They do not decompose over time, leaving a permanent blot on the landscape. It is local people with knowledge of their neighbourhoods who are best placed to seek out litter hotspots. Without them, our residential areas and open public spaces would look very different.’

“Our waste contractor, Biffa, is helping by donating some litter-picking equipment and providing a special waste collection service. The Council has also purchased litter picks, gloves and bag hoops to support volunteers. Many groups already have their litter-picking equipment from previous events. So until the end of February, priority will be given to new groups. After February, equipment will be allocated on a first-come-first-served basis. Waste sacks and waste collection services are available to all groups.”

Keep Britain Tidy Chief Executive Allison Ogden-Newton OBE said: “We are delighted that Wealden District Council is supporting this year’s campaign and would like to thank them for their support. Without local councils across the country giving the campaign their backing, our volunteers would not be able to do the incredible job they do.”

Why not join in this year and help improve the local environment?  Register your interest now by emailing springclean@wealden.gov.uk or calling 01323 443322.