29 Aug Basildon Council has launched a campaign to lead the fight against flytipping
Basildon Council has launched a campaign to lead the fight against flytipping and littering in the borough.
The “We’re cleaning up” campaign aims to unite the whole community against the blight of dumped waste and litter.
Today (Wednesday 28 August) borough community groups and businesses including staff members from Costa Coffee, took part in a lunchtime litter blitz to help clean up their neighbourhoods.
These took place in Vange, in the conservation area off Vange Hill Drive, and Wickford’s Nevendon Park.
The campaign, which will run until October 6, aims to raise awareness of enforcement action taken by the council, highlight what flytipping is and promote action taken by local communities to help keep neighbourhoods clean and tidy, with the overall aim of reducing levels of dumped waste and litter.
Leader of Basildon Council Councillor Gavin Callaghan attended the Vange blitz with the Vange Hill Community Group. He said: “We removed more than 3,600 flytips last year with more than 80% of that coming from household waste. It’s time we brought these levels down.
“We will continue to take a hard line on those who think they can use the borough as a dumping ground by going down the prosecution route. However, we will also be taking a preventative approach with education and supporting local people who are already doing great work to clean up their communities.
“We want to rally the community to help with litter-picks like today’s and encourage greater pride in our borough.”
Chairman of the Neighbourhoods and Public Spaces Committee Councillor David Harrison attended the Wickford litter pick with the Wickford Wombles. He added: “Groups like the Wickford Wombles are unsung heroes and don’t do it for the recognition. We want this campaign to highlight the work they do in their own time to keep their areas tidy and for it to inspire others to do the same across the borough.”
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