Uttlesford District Council is backing a nationwide campaign to get half a million people clearing up their local community. The Great British Spring Clean, organised by the charity Keep Britain Tidy, will sweep across the nation on 2, 3 and 4 March.

Over a dozen litter picks were organised across Uttlesford as part of the campaign last year, with almost 250 bags of rubbish collected. The council will once again be supporting a number of litter picks with a supply of bags and waste collection services.

It will also be promoting the campaign through its website and social media, as well as publicising any litter picks taking place. The aim is to encourage as many people, community groups, town and parish councils, schools and businesses as possible to take part.

Cllr Susan Barker, Cabinet Member for Environmental Services, said: “As a community we all need to do our bit to help reduce the litter that blights our roads and open spaces, and causes harm to the environment and wildlife.”

“So it was fantastic to see so many people taking part in the campaign last year to make our district a cleaner and more pleasant place last year. We are already aware of a number of groups who are getting involved again this year, and we are keen to highlight their great work and support them.”

Groups can sign up at greatbritishspringclean.org.uk. Once an event is registered, please email the details including the date of the event, where it is taking place, and where the filled bags will be left ready for collection, to wasteaware@uttlesford.gov.uk.

To report an incident of street litter, please complete an online form at uttlesford.gov.uk/litter.

For more details on this media release please contact the Communications Team on 01799 510442 or media@uttlesford.gov.uk.