Forest of Dean lends support to litter heroes to support Keep Britain Tidy campaign
This week sees the launch of Keep Britain Tidy’s Great British September Clean (11-27 September) - the national campaign which encourages more of us to get involved in keeping litter off our streets and out of the environment.
This year the focus is very much on keeping everyone safe whilst out litter picking, which is why Keep Britain Tidy is asking would-be ‘litter heroes’ to get together in groups of six or less to clean up in their local community in order to comply with current government guidance.
Local authorities across the country are lending their support too by providing black sacks to residents and collecting in the bags of litter.
Councillor Sid Phelps, Cabinet Member for the Environment at Forest of Dean District Council said: ‘It’s fantastic that in the Forest of Dean district we have so many willing volunteers who are picking up litter in our neighbourhoods already but we are keen to encourage even more people to get involved which is why we are so pleased to support Keep Britain Tidy’s latest campaign.’
‘Litter picking equipment can still be borrowed from the council. Given that our offices are not currently open to the public we would ask anyone wishing to borrow kit to get in touch as soon as possible as it may take a little longer than usual to get items delivered.’
He added: ‘Clearly with the number of confirmed cases of coronavirus on the rise at a national level, we would urge those taking part to take all precautionary measures to protect themselves from the spread of the disease. We always strongly recommend that those undertaking litter picks do not touch the rubbish they are collecting and to wear gloves and practise good hand sanitisation throughout.’
Last year 480kms of roadside verges were cleared and 1,797 sacks of rubbish were removed by the district council’s street cleansing teams. These figures exclude litter picked up from the town and village centres and litter collected by other third parties. Keep Britain Tidy estimates that it costs local authorities £1b annually to clear litter up.
Anyone wanting sacks, to borrow litter picking equipment or to arrange a collection of litter sacks should contact the Forest of Dean District Council on 01594 810000 or email: [email protected]
Details on how to get involved in this year’s Great British September Clean and pledge support can be found at www.keepbritaintidy.org/user/register. The website also provides coronavirus guidance so litter picks can take place in the safest way possible.