NEARLY 300 dedicated litter-pickers hit the sands and streets of Redcar and Cleveland recently and collected over 500 bags of rubbish.
This was in support of a national campaign, Clean for The Queen, honouring Her Majesty the Queen’s 90th birthday which will be officially celebrated in June 2016.
Volunteers dedicated their spare time clearing up areas all over the borough in a mission to rid the area of litter.
Cllr Helen McLuckie, cabinet member for neighbourhoods at Redcar & Cleveland Borough Council said:
“I would like to say a huge thank you to the volunteers who spent time during their weekend clearing up our beaches, streets and green spaces. To have cleared over 500 bags worth of litter in the space of a weekend is fantastic and will make a huge difference to our borough.
“This clear-up contributes to a wider campaign the council is launching to focus on improving our environment and building pride in our local communities. We ultimately want cleaner streets, less dog fouling and greener spaces.
“I am so grateful to those who continue to share our commitment in keeping our borough clean. They have done a great job.”
Cllr Carl Quartermain, who took part in the clear-up with FRED (Friends of Redcar), said: “Thanks to the great support from our friends at FRED and The National Citizen Service, here in Redcar we have got off to a great start this year. Not only did we see over 50 residents and visitors clearing the beach of litter and detritus but also we were able to draw attention back on the dangerous debris-ridden Coatham Dunes.
“Thank you to all those who took part – we saw a healthy collection of volunteers of all ages. It was particularly pleasing to see so many young people and children taking part and learning from what is a valuable educational experience. Well done to you all and special thanks to Dave King of ImagineYouCan (NCS) for their physical support.”
Cllr Steve Kay, ward member for Lockwood at Redcar & Cleveland Borough Council said: “This has been a great initiative to tidy up the country and the borough for the Queen’s 90th birthday.
“In Lockwood ward, we have had clean-up events in both Lingdale and Moorsholm in which I took part. In Lingdale the litter-pick was co-ordinated with a Bring Out Your Dross day. It was a joint event involving Lingdale Lift-Off, Redcar & Cleveland Borough Council, Lockwood Parish Council and Lingdale Primary School.
“In Moorsholm the litter-pick was organised by Moorsholm in Bloom, again with assistance from Redcar & Cleveland. It rained cats and dogs but nobody was deterred.
“Now both villages are much cleaner and ready, not only for the Queen, but for what I am sure will be another successful year in Northumbria in Bloom.”