Get signed up to the Great British September Clean and do your bit for the environment

North East Lincolnshire Council is encouraging people to take pride in the area they live in by supporting this year’s Great British September Clean.

The event by Keep Britain Tidy, running from 11 to 27 September, aims to bring the community together to make a difference to the environment on our doorstep.

Earlier this year, volunteers signed up in their numbers for the Great British Spring Clean, which was due to take place from 20 March to 13 April.

With more than 680,000 national volunteers promising to give their time, the enthusiasm and excitement it generated exceeded all our expectations.

However, due to COVID-19 and Keep Britain Tidy’s first priority to make sure everyone stayed safe and well, the event was postponed.

Now they’re back, and people are being encouraged to get involved.

Sign up to host a clean-up or find out about litter picks taking place near you at www.keepbritaintidy.org.

Anyone organising a litter pick can contact the council by emailing [email protected] for advice, litter picking kit and to arrange collection of rubbish that has been picked up.

It is important any community groups or those litter picking read the coronavirus guidance, which can be found at www.keepbritaintidy.org/get-involved/support-our-campaigns/great-british-spring-clean/coronavirus-guidance

The council will support volunteers by loaning litter picking equipment and arrange the removal of rubbish collected, to be placed in a predetermined location agreed with the council.

Local groups can arrange a clean-up and volunteers are encouraged to find out about their nearest events by searching their town or postcode online at the Great British September Clean.

Councillor Stewart Swinburn, portfolio holder for environment and transport, said: “North East Lincolnshire has some extremely dedicated community groups who work tirelessly to make their community a place to be proud of.

“Their efforts are appreciated throughout the year, but what better way to mark the occasion than during Keep Britain Tidy’s Great British September Clean?

“But you don’t have to be part of a community group to get involved. People are invited from all ages to come together to make a difference.

“We know communities can have a huge impact on their local area helping to keep it clean and tidy – somewhere to be proud of.

“The Great British Spring Clean gives us all the opportunity to play our part and do our bit for the environment.”

Councillor Ron Shepherd, portfolio holder for safer and stronger communities, added: “Littering has become quite a problem in North East Lincolnshire in recent weeks, as it has across the rest of the country too. Again, we urge people to put their rubbish in a bin or take it home with them. There is no excuse.

“The Great British September Clean is a great way to bring the community together even more, to show just how much they love the place they live and is a way of looking after the local environment, wildlife and sea life.”

Volunteers will be asked to separate the litter they pick into two bags: one for plastic bottles and aluminium cans and a second for the rest of the rubbish.

North East Lincolnshire Council will then collect these bags to ensure that they are recycled appropriately.

To find out more about the Great British September Clean, visit www.keepbritaintidy.org.

To organise a litter pick, contact the council on [email protected] for advice, litter picking kit and to arrange collection of rubbish that has been picked up.