Keep Britain Tidy’s #litterheroes ambassador Paul Ellison calls on Rochdale borough to join Great British Spring Clean

Keep Britain Tidy ambassador Paul Ellison is leading the way in clearing up the Rochdale borough as the charity launches its Great British Spring Clean.

As well as polluting our streets, parks and beaches, litter harms wildlife, domestic pets and cattle, and costs us nearly £1 billion a year to clean up.

The Great British Spring Clean, now in its ninth year, brings together individuals, community organisations, businesses and councils to make a difference to the environment on our doorstep.

Paul is a Keep Britain Tidy’s #LitterHeroes Ambassador, one of several across the country who have been working tirelessly litter-picking and making a difference to local areas. The charity’s ambassador programme is made possible thanks to players of People’s Postcode Lottery.

Paul and the other LitterHeroes are gearing up for this year’s Great British Spring Clean, which runs from 15 March to 31 March, encouraging anyone and everyone to participate.

He said: “Whether you’re an individual who regularly picks up litter when out and about, or a community group looking to host their first event, we can all make the borough a cleaner, lovelier place. The council will once again be distributing loans of litter picking packs to volunteers, with details to be announced nearer the time.

“Rochdale Council has given us years of continued support for the cause, for which we must thank them. Anyone who wants to litter pick can also get in touch with the council for equipment.

“If you’re hosting a litter pick, contact Rochdale Online and list it on the events page so people know when and where to get involved locally. The annual Norden Spring Clean is being held on 16 March, so please come and get involved.”

 

 

The environmental charity is asking people across the country to pledge to do their bit to clear up the litter pollution that is so damaging for the environment and wildlife.

This year’s message is that the environment belongs to everyone. The charity says that Many of its volunteers regularly find ‘retro rubbish’ that was dropped many years ago but is still causing harm to our environment today, releasing greenhouse gases as it slowly breaks down in our soil and water, which contributes to the climate crisis.

The good news is that litter-picking is a simple action that anyone can do. It makes an immediate and visible difference to the environment where we live, work and play. Around 95% of people surveyed after 2023's campaign agreed they felt they had made a difference to their local area, and 91% said they felt part of a national movement that is taking action to tackle litter.

You can also pledge to get involved today at www.keepbritaintidy.org/gbspringclean

Anyone wishing to tidy up the borough - you don't need to attend a clean-up event - can order a litter-picking kit via Rochdale Borough Council.

Councillor Liam O’Rourke, the council’s cabinet member for climate change and environment, said: “We are fully supporting this year’s Great British Spring Clean, and if you can help collect just one bag, you are helping our hard-working teams and your local community create a place to be proud of, not just now but all year round.

“There are so many benefits of litter picking. The satisfaction and the overwhelming feeling of achievement of taking action to beat litter where you live, plus the many other benefits to boost mental health, protecting the wildlife and the opportunity to meet new people. Make your pledge today.”

 

 

Keep Britain Tidy’s chief executive, Allison Ogden-Newton OBE, said: “The Great British Spring Clean would not be possible without the backing of our community partners. 

“We are grateful for the ongoing support from Rochdale Borough Council as local authorities play a critical role in engaging and supporting volunteers on the ground. 

“The Great British Spring Clean is a fantastic way for councils to support residents to show their pride in where they live and connect with like-minded people while taking serious and immediate action to protect the environment on their doorstep. 

“During this year’s campaign, we are highlighting that the environment belongs to everyone and that everyone is welcome to join in with our activities and 70th-anniversary celebrations.

“Whether it’s a pledge to pick one bag - or 70 for our anniversary, the borough of Rochdale can feel proud to see their armies of #LitterHeroes volunteers carrying out these acts of kindness to create a cleaner, safer place for future generations.”