Horsham litter heroes called on to help improve the environment

The annual national Great British Spring Clean is being backed by Horsham District Council which has been running its own Adopt-a-Street litter clearing initiative for the past six years.

The Great British Spring Clean, developed by Keep Britain Tidy, is set to take place from May 28 to June 13 this year and is calling on people across the country to become litter heroes by helping to improve the environment on their own doorsteps.

A Horsham Council spokesman said: “In line with the Government’s latest coronavirus guidance we are supporting litter picking activity in small groups of up to six volunteers, up to two families or individuals who wish to sign up to take part in the Great British Spring Clean via the council Adopt-a-Street scheme.

“Celebrating its 6th anniversary this year, Adopt-a-Street now has hundreds of volunteers from across the district who take pride in their neighbourhood and are happy to help clear areas of the blight of discarded litter.”

Horsham District Council cabinet member for the environment Philip Circus said: “I am delighted that so many residents have signed up to our Adopt-a-Street initiative over the past six years and am really grateful for all their efforts in helping to protect our environment from the litter that others leave behind.

“But there is always more that can be done and I would encourage as many of you as possible to register for Adopt-a-Street and take part in the countrywide Great British Spring Clean which is about to launch.

“Litter remains a major problem both nationally and in our own district, causing harm to our environment and wildlife, so anything we can do to tackle it is much appreciated.

“As we head towards the summer we are also asking everyone to show our open spaces the respect they deserve by putting their litter in the bin or taking it home with them.”

On average the council spends more than £100,000 a year on clearing up litter left by others and the council’s cleansing team sweep over 1,600 miles of streets in a bid to keep them clear of litter.

Nationally, councils are having to spend more than £700 million on street cleaning services every year.

To register for Adopt-a-Street to take care of an area near you click on the link Adopt A Street