Southampton City Council’s Junior Neighbourhood Wardens and community litter picking groups have joined forces for a city wide clean-up as part of this year’s Keep Britain Tidy – Great British Spring Clean campaign.
There are many community groups that undertake litter picks in different areas of Southampton, with 11 of these groups putting on litter picking events during the Great British Spring Clean campaign. One of the groups is Southampton City Councils Junior Neighbourhood Wardens. The Junior neighbourhood Wardens are 7- 12 year olds who work alongside the council to help improve their community and they are hosting a 3 day clean up in Lordswood. As well as doing their bit for the local community and the environment, the young wardens will be incentivised to seek out litter from far and wide, as they will also be undertaking an Easter Egg hunt at the same time!
Many of the community groups have received funding from businesses, like Travis Perkins Managed Services, and individuals to help pay for vital equipment, bags and high vis vests, or to simply help to promote events and help to get local residents involved and make the campaign a success.
Maggie Devine, Social Value Manager at Travis Perkins Managed Services, who donate equipment to the Junior Neighbourhood Warden litter picks, and other events, said: “As a business we strive to reduce our impact on the environment and are committed to this as one of our core responsibilities. This is a great initiative, and one that we are very happy to support. Well done to the Junior Neighbourhood Wardens for making a positive impact in their communities.”
Cabinet Member for Transport and Public Realm, Councillor Jacqui Rayment said: “It’s a great shame that a small number of people drop their rubbish rather than finding the nearest waste or recycling bin, or taking it home with them. We’ve heard so much in the media recently about the negative impact we’re having on our environment. The litter picks organised by community groups are fantastic gestures of goodwill that help council services to tackle this problem.”
Cabinet Member for Homes and Culture, Councillor Satvir Kaur commented: “It is encouraging to see future generations be part of the solution to our environmental issues, and I’m pleased that our Junior Neighbourhood Wardens are taking an active role in this. We are keen that all our estates are clean and green, and this initiative is a great way to help do this.”
Want to find out what support we can offer your communities through our supply chain partnerships?
Email managedservices@travisperkins.co.uk