The national environmental charity launched the campaign for the summer holidays, encouraging people of all ages to organise or take part in litter-picking activities that protect wildlife, strengthen communities and improve local green spaces.
Leading the Hartlepool campaign in Hartlepool is CleanupUK Champion Sue Bacon, who has invited residents to become involved through community events and by making use of the town’s free Cleanup Hubs.
As part of the campaign, Sue promoted litter-picking at Rossmere Park Support Group’s Family Teddy Bears’ Picnic. Families attending the free event enjoyed games, sports and the park’s facilities. Visitors also had the opportunity to find out more about caring for Rossmere Park and how they can help keep it litter-free for people and wildlife.
Sue said: “Ten bags of litter collected! Caroline Nicholson collected eight before the event and myself and two groups of kids collected another two! I also had brilliant support from a young lad called Charlie who helped me set up and interacted with the kids and parents all day….what a star! Brought some great equipment along for kids to have fun with Play Out Hartlepool. Hartlepool Police came along to chat to kids as well as other organisations. Kids and adults had a great time outside in the lovely park.”
To make it easy for everyone to get involved, residents can borrow litter-picking equipment free of charge from three Cleanup Hubs:
- ORB Centre
- The Wharton Annexe
- West View Advice & Resource Centre Ltd
The hubs provide litter pickers, hoops, bags and high-visibility vests, making it simple for individuals, families, schools and community groups to organise their own litter picks whenever it suits them.
