Croydon Council’s Street Champions network is celebrating a new milestone, with 510 volunteers now officially signed up to help safely dispose litter from the borough’s streets, parks and open spaces.
The network was set up in September 2014, with the latest surge in volunteers coming after Croydon’s highly successful participation in the inaugural Keep Britain Tidy Great British September Clean, following the cancellation of the Spring Clean due to Covid-19. The national event ran from Friday 11 September until Sunday 27 September, with Croydon volunteers carrying out an impressive 39 clean-up events during the period.
From well-established litter-picking groups – such as the Good Gym Croydon coming together to clean up parks – to individuals cleaning up their streets all across the borough, all events complied with the restrictions put in place due to Covid-19. Group events were limited to six people who remained socially distanced throughout, with all equipment prepared and sanitised by the Street Champions team before and after events.
Tanisha Dadar of West Thornton was one of the new volunteers to join the network during the September Clean. “A group of friends, family and I cleaned up Canterbury Road Recreation Ground after being inspired to get involved for World Clean Up Day 2020 on Saturday 19 September. Coincidentally, the Great British September Clean was also taking place, so it was great to be able to contribute to keeping where we live as clean as possible.”
“Becoming more sustainable and environmentally aware is important to me, and being part of the Street Champions network will help keep me informed of what’s happening in my local area. I’d advise anyone looking to get involved to just get on with it and know that you can rely on our council for support.”
“Well done to everybody who organised a litter pick during the Great British September Clean or at another time. With over 500 volunteers now signed up, the network goes from strength to strength and it shows just how much our outdoor spaces mean to the people of Croydon. We are currently living through some very challenging times, yet our Street Champions network remains a beacon of positivity and hope. The network is a shining example of the great things that can happen when the council and communities work together.”
Councillor Stuart Collins, deputy leader – Clean Green Croydon
If you are interested in organising a litter pick in your area for a group of up to six people then please email champions@croydon.gov.uk notifying of the location, time and date you are planning to run the event in.
Volunteers are reminded that government guidance on safety measures may be subject to change so please consider the latest government advice before carrying out an event.
