National companies, community groups and individuals from across Wales will be getting out to their communities this week to improve their local environment in support of Keep Wales Tidy’s nationwide Tidy Wales Week.
Keep Wales Tidy have reported an excellent take up of the free clean-up kits produced to help people take part in the week, which runs from 23-29th June. The kits, sponsored by the Welsh Assembly Government, include guidance notes on how to organise a fun, safe clean-up event, publicity materials and tabards to keep participants clean and dry. Local authorities have also pledged support to the campaign by providing litter and recycling bags, gloves and litter collection to all those taking part.
Since the date and details of the volunteer clean up was announced, over 290 schools, 120 community groups, 30 Communities First partnerships, 13 Police/Fire Stations and 38 public sector agencies have already ordered clean-up kits. The inaugural Tidy Wales Week was launched three years ago resulting in many of the regions black spots being restored to their former glory, but the organisers are hoping that the latest assault will result in many more litter-free communities.
To launch the week Ms Davidson joined volunteers from Ffynone Trust School, Mumbles Development Trust, the University of Swansea and the City and County of Swansea Council in a bid to restore Swansea Bay.
The Environment Minister said: "I’m delighted by the response to Tidy Wales Week and the take-up of the clean-up kits shows the importance people place on clean neighbourhoods. We made a commitment in the One Wales document to support local authorities and community voluntary groups to improve the quality of their local environment. This initiative is an important step towards empowering local people to take action where they see fit. Our local environment is key to our quality of life and can significantly improve people’s health and well-being."
Over 620 events have already been planned by groups across Wales, amongst them are; Llandudno Police station who are joining forces with local Brownies to tidy up Llandudno; Llanelli Watervole Action Group who are removing waste from habitat; Hafod, Link and Wales and West Housing Association who are clearing Cardiff housing estates; The ‘Skylarks’ who will be tackling the River Afon Fach in Bridgend and 1st Cwm Pengraig Guides who will be working with Newcastle Emlyn Scouts to clear up their local area.
To find out about your local events, please see:
http://www.keepwalestidy.org/english/default.asp?Category=Default&NewsID=95&Menu=0.26.13.227
