There is still time to sign up for the Great British Spring Clean – the national campaign to get half a million people out and about cleaning up their local communities, which Swindon Borough Council is backing.
Over 100 volunteers have so far answered the call from Swindon Borough Council to take part in organised litter-picks right across the Borough as part of Britain’s biggest-ever community clear- up.
Everyone and anyone can get involved – whether individual members of the public, families, residents’ associations, businesses, schools or community groups.
Running from 3 -5 March, the 2017 Great British Spring Clean is co-ordinated nationally by Keep Britain Tidy, aiming to bringing people together from across the country to clear up the litter that blights the country’s towns, villages, countryside and coastline.
Last year over 80 Swindon volunteers took part in 'Clean for the Queen' organised by Keep Britain Tidy nationally, but hosted by SBC in Swindon. Swindon Borough Council has registered with the event organisers and will be supporting local events, loaning litter picking equipment, distributing Keep Britain Tidy branded bags to registered groups and individuals and removing the waste collected.
This year, strong teams include John Lewis Partnership, Nationwide, Uplands Educational Trust, Eldene Residents Association, Raychem Fishing Club, Westlea Church as well as residents from Priory Vale, Park North and Walcot, Lawn and Shaw.
Council staff are also volunteering in their home areas.
Tracy Scott, Community Facilitator – Locality Projects from Swindon Borough Council said:
“The response has been magnificent and we can still register volunteers until Wednesday for Friday’s events, and until Thursday evening for weekend events. This ensures that we order enough equipment from Streetsmart.
“Volunteers can sign up for any of the groups in the above areas or they can choose to work in another area - we can loan equipment if they are not in any of the Parishes that have taken responsibility for litter picking.
“It’s vital that volunteers contact [email protected] to register for events in Swindon or call Swindon (01793) 466239. We will be reporting back to Keep Britain Tidy and want to ensure that we register everyone’s efforts in Swindon.”
Kate Connock, Swindon’s John Lewis At Home Branch Manager, added: “John Lewis believes in playing an active part in our community, whether that’s with our Green Token scheme, supporting Swindon’s charities financially or with something like the litter picking campaign.
"Swindon Borough Council often contact us to see if we have any volunteers for activities, and when this year’s Great British Clean Campaign was launched we felt this was something we could get involved with.
"Having previously joined forces with a local school and the Swindon street crew on a clean up, we know that many hands can make light work and a big difference to a community.”
Inspired to get involved? Still time to get registered.
Anyone wanting to volunteer must register by emailing us at [email protected] or call Swindon (01793) 466239 to confirm your participation. All equipment will be provided on the day.
You cannot participate without pre-registering, to supervise the turn out and ensure safety.
Volunteers can choose to work in the area where they live or anywhere in Swindon.
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