Youngsters equipped to litter pick
News release issued:
Equipment to help litter warriors tackle discarded waste is being provided by Wyre Forest District Council.
Local Scout, Cub, Beaver, Guide and Brownie groups will all be able to use the litter pickers, bags, buckets and high vis vests when taking part in clear ups. The council has also provided a storage shed for the equipment.
Karen Blanchfield is an ambassador for Keep Britain Tidy and a scout leader. She has also been running education litter workshops in the district since 2018. She approached the council for help with more equipment because demand for her workshops had increased.
Karen said:
“I’m delighted that that the council has funded this new equipment and we’ve been able to work with the authority to set up the equipment loan scheme. The council’s generosity will mean so many more youngsters can get involved in litter picking and learn about the impact litter has in our community. I’m hugely grateful to have such wonderful support from everyone involved in this project and I’m looking forward to seeing more children enjoying hunting out the litter that blights our community areas.”
Funding for the equipment has come from the fines the council has issued for environmental crimes like fly tipping and not clearing up after your dog.
Councillor John Thomas, Wyre Forest District Council’s Cabinet member with responsibility for Operational Services said:
“Litter is a social problem, it’s not just unsightly, but it’s a threat to wildlife and our environment. It can also reduce people’s sense of well-being and can attract crime.
We are extremely grateful to all the volunteers who go out in all weathers to litter pick, they do a fantastic job. It is great that youngsters are getting more involved, and we are pleased to be able to help these groups carry on their good work and allow others to join in too."
Litter picking is not a new activity for the district scout groups, they have all been taking part in clean ups since 2019 when they were involved in the Great British Spring Clean. The equipment is being stored at Rhydd Covert Scout campsite. This is central to all the district’s groups.
Julie Goodyear, Wyre Forest Scout District Commissioner said:
“Being part of the litter picking community has many positives for our Scouts and the community. It helps them become involved in a movement which is working to protect and enhance the environment. They also gain a sense of pride from what they are doing and can work towards scout badges. Easy access to equipment is going to make a big difference and help many more groups take part in litter picks.”
This year the Great British Spring Clean campaign runs from Friday 17 March – Sunday 2 April 2023. Scouts can earn a Great British Spring Clean badge for taking part. The campaign is about ‘Fit for the future’. It is about engaging children to look after where they live and shaping remarkable adults of the future.
Karen added:
“Let’s have fun talking rubbish together and cleaning up our community because no one is too small to make a huge difference.”
Anyone wishing to do a litter pick or set up a litter picking group can find out more information about the help on offer from the council by visiting our litter picking webpage.