The Great British September Clean (GBSC) is fast approaching and there has never been a better time to get involved and help keep your local area looking its best. 

It comes as Ealing Council continues to partner with the local community to tackle litter in the borough’s roads, parks and open spaces.

Because of COVID-19, the annual Great British Spring Clean was postponed back in March and has been rescheduled between 11 to 27 September 2020, with the slight change of name to reflect the new date.

Taking place across local parks and green spaces, the annual event helps local communities get involved with taking care of their local patches by giving them a spring clean – the only difference this time round is it is taking place as we move into autumn. 

What is more, participants can meet other people from across the community and enjoy parks and green spaces together.

One group getting involved is LAGER Can (Litter Action Group for Ealing Residents), which (as pictured above) runs regular community clear-ups, gives out picking kits and bags provided by the council, and works with the council to arrange collections of litter – all to help reduce the amount of rubbish left lying around.

LAGER Can member Cathy Swift explained more: “For me, experiencing our local green spaces and streets should be about enjoyment and wellbeing. We need a clean and pleasant environment to fulfil this and we feel it’s much more constructive to do something about the litter rather than just get upset or angry about it. 

“The membership of LAGER Can has grown rapidly during the last few months, rising from 270 to 600 members who are all committed to taking some positive action to help clean up litter in their local green spaces and streets.

“Over the summer we have run 20 group events, involving around 50 members, and cleared more than 850 bags of rubbish from roads, parks and waterways. In addition, several hundred bags of rubbish have been collected by individuals. 

“Our activities are ongoing, and we are keen to help local people get involved with GBSC.  We’ll be doing our bit with more events planned. Anyone is welcome to get involved and can find out full details on the LAGER Can Facebook page or by following @CanLager on twitter.”

Councillor Mik Sabiers, cabinet member for environment and highways said: “GBSC is an excellent opportunity for people to help support their local parks by joining the council and local community in litter picking and clean-up events.

“Thanks to LAGER Can for their continued hard work in tackling litter – their commitment is amazing and greatly appreciated. Our ongoing partnership is a great example of residents and the council working together for the good of the local area.”

PLEASE TAKE HOME ALL YOUR LITTER

We have been lucky to have experienced a spell of warm sunny weather in recent weeks and people are have been heading to local parks to enjoy the borough’s beautiful green spaces in the sun.

But unfortunately, like all councils, Ealing has seen an increase in the amount of litter being left in parks as a result of increased numbers.

Park rangers have reported an increase of abandoned picnics in local parks, where irresponsible individuals have left food, plastic packaging, pizza boxes, cans, bottles and litter discarded.

Not only is this costly to the council and terrible for environment, it is also deeply unpleasant for the vast majority who rely on outdoor spaces for exercise and enjoyment.

People are urged to respect parks and other visitors by taking all litter home with them and not leave rubbish strewn on the floor or around bins.

Please remember that barbecues and fires are not allowed in parks and open spaces in the borough in any circumstances.

Councillor Sabiers continued: “Keeping our borough litter-free is a real challenge for the council and we remain committed to ensuring that Ealing remains a clean and pleasant place for all.

“Ealing has so many wonderful parks and green spaces and in these summer temperatures, they will continue to prove popular with residents for socialising and exercise.

“We need everyone to play their part and the message is clear ‘If you can bring food and packaging to the park, you can take it home with you’ whether the bins are full or empty – there’s no excuse to litter or use disposable barbecues.”