Volunteers across Croydon are invited to sign up now to join the nation’s largest clean-up event, the Great British Spring Clean, which kicks off on Friday 25 March.
Croydon Council is looking forward to having even more volunteers join its fast-growing Street Champions network of 664 volunteers, officially signed up to help safely dispose of litter from the borough’s streets, parks and open spaces.
The annual event held by Keep Britain Tidy will build on the outstanding work of Street Champions like the Friends of Sanderstead Rec, Park Hill Residents’ Association, Litter Free Norbury, Good Gym and Spring Park Residents’ Association as well as everyone who gave their time to help manage increased litter as more people visited our parks.
Last year’s highly successful event took place from 28 May – 13 June, and saw 168 Croydon volunteers clearing many bags of litter, recycling and garden waste during the period. The two-week event helped contribute to 2021’s impressive final tally of over 8000 bags overall.
This year the Great British Spring Clean will run from 25 March – 10 April, and participants can pledge a number of hours and minutes of litter picking as either individuals, or as a group of up to 30 volunteers at a time.
Croydon Council provides the loan of equipment free of charge to participants, subject to availability.
“We know that the vast majority of people do take pride in their communities and keep them clean and tidy – but, unfortunately, there is always a small minority who don’t. By encouraging more people to get involved we can help reach our goal of keeping the borough clean and green.
“Covid-19 has sparked a deeper appreciation for Croydon’s beautiful parks and green spaces, and people are passionate about protecting local wildlife. Litter and fly-tipping can have a detrimental impact on Croydon’s native species.
“We look forward to a great turnout this year from our dedicated volunteers, but are hopeful that all residents are taking time to reflect on how they can contribute by reducing the amount of waste brought into our parks, and by using the available bins.”
Councillor Muhammad Ali, cabinet member for sustainable Croydon
Those wishing to participate in this year’s event can visit Keep Britain Tidy’s website to register their pledge, and then send an email to champions@croydon.gov.uk notifying the council of the desired locations, times and dates of their litter picks.
Organisers will be then contacted to arrange equipment rental pick-up.
Groups are encouraged to follow Keep Britain Tidy’s guidance for safety and hygiene.
To learn more about Croydon’s Carbon Neutral Action Plan and sustainability initiatives, visit the council website.
