The Big Tidy Up weekend has resulted in 880kg of litter being collected from hot spots around Douglas.

The event - the fourth organised by Douglas Borough Council - brought together around 130 school children and 50 volunteers, including Council Members and officers, together with representatives from the business community and voluntary organisations.

As is his custom Council leader Councillor David Christian took part in the event. ‘Every year it’s encouraging to see how many volunteers – especially young people – get behind the campaign. Clearly litter is a matter about which most, but regrettably not all, members of the community feel strongly, and I’m grateful to everyone who generously gave of their time to support us.

‘The Big Tidy Up provides a great opportunity to target areas around the Borough that cannot ordinarily be accessed by our cleansing teams: back lanes, alleyways, footpaths and other out-of-the-way places which, sadly, have become litter hotspots.

‘In one respect it is encouraging that so much litter was collected over just one weekend, but it is also dispiriting to think that there are still those people with little or no civic pride who spoil our town through their antisocial actions.  The Council remains committed, however, to tackling the growing problem of litter and, in partnership with Keep Britain Tidy, will be initiating a number campaigns aimed at raising environmental awareness and encouraging pride in our town and our Island.’

Photo - Council leader David Christian, third left, with fellow Big Tidy Up volunteers. Picture Andrew Barton.