Mayor gets hands-on for royal clean-up
Cllr Angela Clear, Mayor of Winchester, was down at Winchester City Council’s depot yesterday hearing about the success of the first ‘Clean for the Queen’ weekend.
While she was there she took the opportunity to learn about the brand new Litter Glutton which arrived in time for the big tidy-up which is one of a series of national and local celebrations for the 90th birthday year of her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
The ‘Glutton’ has been purchased to bolster cleansing across the district. It will be used on a rota basis providing a thorough ‘deep cleanse’ to high streets, car parks and other areas as required, whilst providing a visible public presence.
A dozen communities around the Winchester District grabbed their litter-pickers and branded bags, and took to their local streets, green spaces and grot spots. National campaign organisers commented:
When the Queen came to the throne litter was not the problem that it is today. Food packaging, plastic bottles, takeaway meals and cigarette butts have all contributed to a growing menace that affects our wildlife, streets, countryside and sense of pride. What better way could we show our gratitude to Her Majesty than to clean up our country?
Co-ordinated and supported by the Council’s contractors, The Landscape Group, those inspired to don their gloves and get to grips with some litter did so with gusto in villages including Newtown, Headbourne Worthy, Micheldever Station and Owslebury.
Another 10 groups are planning litter-picks during the coming weekends, in the run-up to the Queen’s birthday on 21 April and her official celebrations in mid-June.
The Landscape Group has provided a total of 350 litter-pickers, 400 hi-viz vests and 1,000 waste sacks to volunteer groups along with important health and safety advice to ensure the safety of volunteers whilst working near roads. The number of sacks collected so far is in the hundreds and due to rise further with more litter-picks planned over the coming months.
Cllr Frank Pearson, the Council’s Portfolio Holder for Environment, Health and Wellbeing, said:
We can always rely on the people of our district to lend a hand: our volunteer-power is impressive throughout the year, and there’s nothing like a royal anniversary to turn good intentions into action. As a largely rural district, I know our residents are very sensitive about the impact of litter on our beautiful countryside, and I’m delighted that they are prepared to work hand-in-glove – quite literally – with our contractors to get things shipshape for 2016. Congratulations to all those who are Cleaning for the Queen this spring.
The Council is also supporting 90th birthday festivities ranging from street parties to beacon-lightings, and has its own special event planned for Guildhall Winchester. Find out more at www.winchester.gov.uk/n/events/90th-birthday-hm-queen-elizabeth-ii/