Hundreds of people across South Tyneside have been tackling litter head on as part of the Clean for the Queen campaign.
The initiative aimed to inspire more than a million people across the country to take action and help give their local communities a spring clean ahead of The Queen’s 90th birthday on 21 April.
Local residents, schools and businesses got involved with the mass movement taking place across the country between Friday 4 and Sunday 6 March.
South Tyneside Council together with South Tyneside Homes supported groups and individuals to conduct litter picks in the Borough’s streets, parks and public spaces. Council staff also conducted their own litter pick in South Marine Park as part of the campaign.
The Mayor of South Tyneside, Councillor Richard Porthouse said: “It has been inspirational to see so many people come out in force in support of this campaign and to do their bit in helping to tackle littering within the Borough.”
It costs taxpayers almost £1billion to clear away the 30 million tons of rubbish collected from UK streets each year and this campaign aims to tackle the problem of littering nation-wide.
Councillor Tracey Dixon, Lead member for Area Management and Community Safety, said: “This national-wide initiative has been an ideal opportunity to highlight the issue of littering in the Borough. Dropping litter is totally unacceptable. It is unsightly, gives a negative perception of our neighbourhoods and is costly to clean-up.
“It has been great to see people from all walks of life working together to take pride in their local community and help tackle littering across South Tyneside. If everyone continues to do their bit we can help keep the Borough clean for everyone to enjoy all year round.”
South Tyneside Council in partnership with South Tyneside Homes is actively working to tackle litter with the Borough wide Report It campaign which aims to take action against those who fail to clear up after their dog, fly tip or litter while raising awareness of the detrimental impact of dog fouling and littering has on local communities.
To report litter, flytipping or dog fouling in your area go to www.southtynesdie.gov.uk/reportit