Volunteers across Croydon are invited to join in the nation’s largest clean-up event, the Great British Spring Clean, as it kicks off tomorrow (28 May).
Croydon Council is looking forward to having even more volunteers join its fast-growing Street Champions network, that has seen 610 volunteers now 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 South Norwood, Park Hill, and South Croydon Recreation Ground during the pandemic, as well as everyone who gave their time throughout lockdown to help manage increased litter as more people visited our parks.
Last year’s highly successful event took place in September due to Covid-19, and saw Croydon volunteers carrying out an impressive 39 clean-up events with 179 volunteers during the period.
This year the Great British Spring Clean will run from 28 May to 13 June, 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 equipment free of charge to participants, subject to availability.
“Covid-19 has sparked a deeper appreciation for Croydon’s beautiful parks and green spaces, and people are passionate about protecting local wildlife. 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.
We are very thankful to all our Street Champions who worked really hard during the pandemic – and still as we come out of lockdown – to help manage litter, and make our streets and parks cleaner spaces for everyone to enjoy.”
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 then be contacted to arrange equipment rental.
Groups are encouraged to follow government guidance for safety and hygiene, and limit the number of attendees to 30 at a time. Volunteers are reminded that government guidance on safety measures may be subject to change, and to consider the latest government advice before carrying out an event.
Photo courtesy of Jonathan Tolhurst, taken on 15 May at the “Pimp our Street” clean-up event on Malden Ave, SE25
