Still time to sign up to the Great British Spring Clean

Sunderland City Council is supporting individuals, schools, local groups, and businesses to take part in more than 45 clean-ups planned across six areas of the city, beginning this weekend, as part of Keep Britain Tidy's two week annual campaign.

Litter picks are taking place around parks, footpaths, green spaces, and beaches across  the Coalfield, East, North, West, and Washington as well as in the city centre. The City Council will be providing necessary equipment to help residents keep communities clean, green, and litter-free.

Cllr Claire Rowntree, Deputy Leader of Sunderland City Council and Cabinet Member for Environment and Transport, said: "I am delighted that so many people have signed up to get involved in this year's Great British Spring Clean.

"We know from our Let's Talk campaign, that our residents are passionate about the environment and want a clean and green city to live in. That is evident from the number of people volunteering to make a difference.

"The majority of our residents take a real pride in the area where they live. They hate to see the irresponsible few spoiling things by littering, fly-tipping and generally spoiling the environment. That's why we are continuing to crackdown on offenders and take enforcement action against anyone caught littering and fly-tipping."

Cllr Linda Williams, Portfolio Holder for Vibrant City, said: "It's brilliant to see so many people signing up to take part in this year's Great British Spring Clean. We're also incredibly proud of all the formal and informal groups and individuals who litter pick regularly in their area all year round. Their work really does make a difference.

"I'd encourage anyone who hasn't already to think about signing up for a litter pick as part of the Great British Spring Clean. There's lots of different locations and dates to choose from and all the equipment you need to take part will be provided."

For more information on the Great British Spring Clean and to find out more on volunteering in Sunderland at www.sunderland.gov.uk/volunteering