Douglas Borough Council is seeking a concerted all-Island response to its annual anti-litter campaign and is once again organising the Big Tidy Up all-Island Challenge, which will take place over the weekend of September 29-30.
Local authorities across the Island are being urged to take part and join with the many volunteer groups, charitable organisations, businesses, private individuals and schools who support the campaign which, in the last two years, has attracted more than 1000 volunteers and led to the collection of around 3.7 tonnes of litter from ‘hot spots’ around the Island.
Council leader Councillor David Christian said: ‘Since we launched the campaign back in 2009 the Big Tidy Up has expanded into an Island-wide campaign that sends out a clear message that it’s up to everyone, not just local authorities, to take responsibility for their surroundings and demonstrate a sense of civic pride. Douglas Borough Council has led the way from the start in this campaign and, despite having limited resources brought about by the current economic climate, remains committed to improving environmental standards in the town.
Streetscene and Cleaner, Safer, Greener champion Councillor Sara Hackman added: ‘Our cleansing teams do sterling work year round to keep Douglas as litter-free as possible but there will always be litter hot-spots; these are the areas we are looking to target over the Big Tidy Up weekend. Litter is a community problem that demands a community response. I would therefore urge all those joining with us across the Island to make a stand against litter to identify the “grot spots” that blight their towns and villages and together we can achieve a cleaner and greener Isle of Man.’
As the campaign’s lead body the Council will provide practical support in the form of protective high-visibility tabards, litter picks, gloves, brushes and bags. It will also collect all litter gathered and bagged in the Borough of Douglas. As much of the collected litter as possible will be recycled.
A typical Big Tidy Up session will last in the region of two hours. Participating groups will receive certificates recognising their support at a reception later in the year hosted by the Mayor of Douglas, Councillor David Ashford.
For all Big Tidy Up enquiries and to submit details of potential litter hotspots for targeting contact pmacken@douglas.gov.im
Photo caption - A scene from the 2011 Big Tidy Up all-Island Challenge. Picture Andrew Barton.
