Community-minded people in Heighington have sprung into action for the first main event of LitterFree Durham’s Big Spring Clean.
Residents of all ages worked together on Saturday 14th April, marking the start of a month-long campaign organised by LitterFree Durham, and backed by both Durham County Council and Darlington Borough Council.
Four litterpicks took place at Heighington, Bolam (pictured), Sherburn Hill and Consett, while on Monday 16th April, St Johns School in Shildon hosted a litter assembly with Tidy Ted before going out into the village to carry out their litterpick.
This is the second year the campaign has run. Last year 72 groups, made up of almost 1,300 volunteers took part. Between them they carried out 82 litterpicks and collected just over 1,500 bags of rubbish.
This year’s campaign got off to a great start on Saturday with 90 bags collected and 79 volunteers taking part.
Gerald Lee, chair of LitterFree Durham, said: “Once again we are working in partnership with Durham County Council and Darlington Borough Council to organise our Big Spring Clean campaign.
“Several groups have already come forward to help make the clean up a success and we would welcome anyone else keen to tidy up their local area to join us on a future litter pick.”
Cllr Brian Stephens, Cabinet member for neighbourhoods and local partnerships at Durham County Council, said: “Last year’s campaign was a brilliant example of people coming together to make their local areas clean and tidy.
“We are inviting those groups and others to join us again and help to make this year’s Big Spring Clean even bigger and better.”
And Cllr Nick Wallis, Cabinet member for leisure and local environment at Darlington Borough Council, said “The majority of us take great pride in our area and don’t drop litter.
“The Big Spring Clean is a great way for local people to come together and help clean up after the minority who feel it is okay to drop litter in our town.”
There is still time for residents, schools and community groups to come forward and register for the campaign.
To sign up in County Durham email [email protected] or phone 01388 728 826.
To sign up in Darlington email [email protected] or phone 01325 347 434.
Further information about the Big Spring Clean campaign can be found at [email protected]