KEEP Britain Tidy is calling for fresh volunteers for its annual Great British Spring Clean.
From Friday, March 25, volunteers can take part in the spring clean, an initiative to keep streets, parks, and open spaces free of litter. Volunteers are encouraged to join the scheme to help clear litter from public spaces.
Now in its seventh year, the Great British Spring Clean is challenging those who pledge to join take part in its #BigBagChallenge.
Keep Britain Tidy, who organise the scheme, have made litter picking equipment available to buy directly from them for the first time.
Reading Borough Council has also made equipment available for free through its Reading Adopt Your Street scheme.
The RAYS scheme provides individuals or groups with equipment, including pickers, bags, gloves, and high-vis jackets.
This year, RBC has also enhanced the RAYS scheme, offering larger bags and extra support for rubbish collection through RAYS+.
Cllr Adele Barnett-Ward, Reading’s lead councillor for neighbourhoods, said: “the quality of the environment around us is so important to our wellbeing and pride in our town.”
“That’s why we want to encourage everyone to take part, and we’ll be out ourselves getting stuck in.”
The Great British Spring Clean also coincides with the council’s relaunch of its anti-littering campaign, Love Your Park.
Residents are encouraged by the campaign to dispose of their litter properly or take it home with them.
Cllr Karen Rowland, lead councillor for recreation, said: “We have a huge job to keep all of our parks litter-free, and we really need your help to keep our open spaces clean.”
She added: “The message is about personal responsibility too– we need everyone to take responsibility for their litter, and encourage others to do the same.”
Schools, businesses, groups, or individuals can sign up for the Great British Spring Clean at www.KeepBritainTidy.org
To join the Reading Adopt Your Street scheme, visit www.reading.gov.uk/rays or contact RAYS@reading.gov.uk
The Great British Spring Clean takes place from Friday, March 25, to Sunday, April 10.
