Lend a hand to spring clean beauty spot

South Derbyshire District Council is backing a campaign to get half a million people out and about cleaning up their local communities.

The brand new Great British Spring Clean will roll out for the first time in March 2017, with a view to it becoming an annual event helping to bring people together and tidy up the country.

TV wildlife presenter and children’s favourite Steve Backshall is lending his support to the campaign, which is backed by the key anti-litter charities including Keep Britain Tidy, Keep Wales Tidy, Keep Scotland Beautiful, Marine Conservation Society and Surfers Against Sewage.

The district council wants groups and individuals keen to ‘do their bit’ to help clear up litter from in and around Midway Fishponds from 10am until 12.30pm on Saturday 4 March 2017.

Anyone interested in getting involved is urged to meet at the Eureka Park bowling green off Newhall Road, Swadlincote, just before 10am.

Cllr Bob Wheeler, Leader of the Council, said: “We are delighted to be supporting the Great British Spring Clean and we encourage as many groups, individuals and organisations as possible to take part.

“Midway Fishponds is a popular local beauty spot bursting with wildlife. We’re keen to enhance the site further and encourage even more visitors to discover it.”

A range of organisations will be supporting the initiative nationally, including the Women’s Institute, the National Trust and the RSPCA, as well as a host of businesses.

Litter remains a major problem across the UK, causing harm to the environment and wildlife, with councils in England spending more than £700m on street cleaning services each year.

More information about the Midway Fishponds event is available by calling the District Council’s Parklife Officer Yvonne Waring on 01283 228766.

Anyone keen to get involved in the campaign and organise their own clean-up can find out more information by visiting The Great British Spring Clean

1 March 2017