Douglas Borough Council is supporting the UK-wide Big Tidy Up campaign and urging everyone in the Borough to get involved in next month’s Keep Douglas Tidy event.
The Council is asking local businesses, schools, youth groups, voluntary organisations and householders to partner with councillors and staff members to help clean up Douglas on Saturday 17th and 18th Sunday October (rescheduled from 19th - 20th September).
Council Leader David Christian said, "The Council is committed year round to ridding the town of litter.
"However, despite the best efforts of our waste management and cleansing teams, and the vigilance of our byelaws enforcement officers, keeping the town litter-free has to be a community response to a community problem.
"This Big Tidy Up weekend is the community’s opportunity to get involved with us and help keep Douglas tidy.
"We’re asking businesses - from financial concerns to fast food outlets, schools to community groups, as well as residents throughout the Borough - to take a good look at the town and identify where a concerted litter-picking effort could make a real difference.
"From the Council’s perspective the Big Tidy Up will be ward-based.
"In each of the six wards we’re aiming to target at least one 'grot spot', each tidy up team to be led by a councillor and officer.
"The Council will be providing Big Tidy Up packs of protective wear and refuse bags, as well as arranging for the rubbish to be collected.
"We’ll also be awarding certificates to those groups and individuals who demonstrated exceptional commitment to the clean up challenge.
"Legislation requiring businesses to keep the outside of their premises litter-free is set to be introduced soon, so what better way for shops and other outlets to demonstrate their sense of civic pride than to get involved in this Keep Douglas Tidy campaign.
"While the campaign only runs for two days, litter is a year-round problem. The Council hopes the Big Tidy Up will encourage people to be more environmentally responsible and to 'Keep Douglas Tidy' 365 days of the year."
Share Your Ideas
To get involved or to suggest an area that could be targeted, contact Douglas Town Hall, Ridgeway Street, Douglas. Telephone 696300 or email enquiries@douglas.gov.im
