Schools, sports clubs, community and church groups, as well as family and friends are taking aim with their litter pickers and donning their hi-vis jackets for the annual Big Spring Clean campaign which kicks off on Friday 1 March.
Armagh City, Banbridge & Craigavon Borough Council is once again offering support to the hugely successful initiative which is run by Live Here Love Here and is encouraging more local groups and individuals to sign up and help tackle the rubbish which blights our roadsides, parks and green spaces.
Council will provide litter pickers, gloves, bags and hi-vis vests. Waste collected on the day can be disposed of in household bins or clean-up organisers can arrange collection of the waste in advance of the event by calling their local Council depot.
Lord Mayor of Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough, Alderman Margaret Tinsley praised all those who have signed up for the Big Spring Clean.
She said: “We are very fortunate to have so many willing volunteers and it is really encouraging to see how many young people are stepping forward to clean up our roadsides and public spaces.
“Not only is litter an eyesore, it damages our environment and wildlife, so this is a very important campaign and I would encourage as many people as possible to get involved.”
The pupils of Grove Nursery in Armagh are among the many volunteers ready to step out for their own Big Spring Clean event which is being held on Friday 8 March alongside volunteers from the Friends of the Folly environmental group.
“All our pupils and staff are very excited to get out and get involved in the clean-up,” said Joan Thompson who is Principal of the school.
“We have taken part in previous years and we get great support from the parents and the local community including the Friends of the Folly group. The Big Spring Clean is a good way for the children to get outdoors and play their part in protecting our environment.
“I would urge as many schools as possible to get involved, as it makes a really positive impact on both the environment and of course our children.”
Throughout the Big Spring Clean campaign – which runs from March 1 to April 30 – the council will be reminding the public of the £120 fixed penalties fine for littering and £400 fines for fly-tipping, as well as the threat of possible legal action.
From the start of April 2023 until the end of December 2023, a total of 151 fixed penalties were issued for fly-tipping, litter, dog fouling across the borough, while a further 47 offenders received fines in court.
If you would like to become involved with a clean-up, please contact Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council on 0300 0300 900 or email for further information.
