£1Million To Clean Up Bournemouth

Community organisations, local groups and even neighbours are being invited to organise their own litter picks as part of Bournemouth Council's Smart Streets programme.

The Council will provide organised groups of people with all the equipment necessary including hi-vis clothing, bags, gloves and litter grabbers to help carry out a clean up in their immediate community, and collect and dispose of all the waste bags afterwards free of charge.

The initiative is part of the Council's £1 million Smart Streets programme which is encouraging people to Love Bournemouth, Loathe Litter.

Councillor Michael Filer, portfolio holder for Transport and Technical Services said:

"We are often approached by local people asking for council support in clearing up their area and we are always happy to help. Community litter picks are a great way of fostering better community relations, improving a local environment and instilling some civic pride. Sports clubs, local organisations, schools and groups of friends and neighbours can all get together to make a difference and help keep our streets smart."

Smart Streets is a 12-month programme in which £1 million is being invested in environmental initiatives and street scene improvements across Bournemouth.

Smart Streets initiatives include:

A team of dedicated street cleansing champions in each of the town's key neighbourhoods including Moordown, Boscombe, Winton, Charminster, Southbourne, Westbourne and Kinson.

-Additional mechanical sweeping

-Chewing gum removal programme

-Encouraging community litter picks

-Installing new solar powered litter bins

-Painting more than 2,500 lampposts

-Refurnishing street furniture and railings

-Refreshing road markings and sign cleaning progamme.

Anyone interested in organising their own litter pick should telephone cleansing & waste on 01202 451199.