A national litter-picking campaign is under way this month and there are plenty of ways to join in across Manchester.

  • Tuesday 15 September 2020

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Great British September Clean, National Litter Campaign, Manchester City Council, Keep Britain Tidy

Great British September Clean,.

The Great British September Clean - organised nationally by Keep Britain Tidy - is running until the end of the month, in place of this year's Great British Spring Clean.

The event planned for earlier this year, had to be postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic.   The last Great British Spring Clean to be held in Manchester, in 2019, attracted more than 7,000 volunteers to play their part in making the city a cleaner place.

This year, due to the ongoing need to maintain social distancing and be Covid-safe, measures are being put in place to ensure the safety of all volunteers who want to take part in clean-up events.  Volunteer groups will be limited to a maximum of six, with all volunteers also asked to maintain social distancing, bring their own refreshments, hand sanitiser and a face covering to wear while they carry out their local activity.  

Volunteers can sign up at www.keepbritaintidy.org, where you can pledge to pick solo, or as part of a group of up to six people.  Once signed up, guidance and resources you will be provided to make sure you have everything you need for a safe and enjoyable litter pick.  Manchester City Council is able to loan equipment to individuals or groups who wish to take part.

The first litter picking drop-ins to be held in Manchester will run from 11am - 2pm at Wythenshawe Park (Tuesday 15 September) and at Heaton Park (Wednesday 16 September).   Volunteers are encouraged to drop by at any time and with litter picking pop-up stands, all the necessary equipment, plus hand sanitiser, will be provided.

On Friday 18 September, there will be a clean up at the veterans village in Newton Heath, from 10am - 2pm, while on Friday 25 September, two urban clean-ups will be taking place on Bury New Road. The first near the bus stop at Sagar Street (10:30am - 12pm) and the second at the Travelodge, Francis Street (12:30pm - 2pm). 

Councillor Rabanwaz Akbar, Manchester City Council’s Executive Member for Neighbourhoods, said: “We all enjoy the benefits of a clean and tidy city.  The look and feel of an area hugely improves when people come together as a team, to demonstrate pride in their neighbourhoods by standing up to the selfish minority of litter louts.  

“The Great British September Clean offers the perfect opportunity to give a little back to your community, friends and neighbours.  So if you have any spare time this month, no matter how long or short, take part in this fantastic initiative in the knowledge that your efforts can and will make a big difference.”

Keep Britain Tidy Deputy Chief Executive Richard McIlwain said: "The overwhelming response to last year’s Great British Spring Clean showed that hundreds of thousands of people who love where they live and are prepared to take action to make it better for themselves, their families and their communities.

"Never before has it been more important for our community to unite in our fight against litter. We know that taking part in community action has positive effects on our mental health, and right now, anything we can do to unite British citizens and empower communities to make a difference during these uncertain times is so important.

"We are delighted that Manchester City Council is supporting this year’s campaign and would like to thank them for their support.  Without councils across the country giving the campaign their backing, our volunteers would not be able to do the incredible job they do.”

For all the latest information and updates follow the Keep Manchester Tidy Facebook page; - www.facebook.com/groups/keepmcrtidy1

Events will take place on the following dates in September:-

Tuesday 15th, 22nd, 29th Wythenshawe Park 11am - 2pm
Wednesday 16th,  23rd, 30th Heaton Park (Lakeside Cafe) 11am -2pm
Thursday 17th Birchfields Park 11am - 1pm
Friday 18th Newton Heath Veterans Village 10am - 2pm
Monday 21st Tesco Cheetham 11am - TBC
Friday 25th Bury New Road (Outside Travelodge, Francis St 12:30 - 2pm)

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