MALVERN Hills District Council has received a prestigious award for a litter-picking drive which has ensured the area is kept spick and span.
The council’s Adopt a Street scheme has been awarded ‘Litter Initiative of the Year 2021’ by Keep Britain Tidy which recognises projects that have successfully reduced litter through sustained behaviour change.
The scheme was set up in 2019 to encourage residents across the district to ‘adopt’ the street where they live or a chosen area.
They then litter pick that area and report issues to make it a cleaner and tidier place to live.
When someone signs up, they receive a welcome email with health and safety guidance and a pack which includes a litter picker, glove, high-visibility vest and a roll of bags.
Since the first lockdown in March 2020, the scheme has grown to 380 individuals and 32 organisations signed up to take part.
This includes parish councils, schools and youth organisations.
The Keep Britain Tidy Network Awards, which took place virtually on February 3, reward innovation in improving local environmental quality and enable Network members to share good practice.
There were ten award categories in total, including: Outstanding Service Delivery Award, Team or Crew of the Year and Young #LITTERHEROES Award.
Coun John Raine, Portfolio Holder for Environment at Malvern Hills District Council, said: “We are absolutely delighted to receive an award for our efforts to keep our district clean and safe for everyone.
“I am so thankful to the staff and volunteers who go above and beyond to make this scheme such a success.”
Visit www.malvernhills.gov.uk/community/adopt-a-street for more information on the Adopt a Street scheme.
