Adopt-a-Street campaign launched

This a new initiative to help tackle the problem of litter throughout the Borough.

The project will see individuals and groups who wish to make a difference in their local area take to the streets clearing up the litter others have left behind. The 
volunteers who sign up to the scheme will be provided with the necessary equipment such as litter pickers, bags and gloves.

“We already have volunteers who have been littering picking in their nearby streets for some time for their own benefit and the enjoyment of a cleaner environment. We wanted to build on their good work and encourage more local communities to become involved in caring for their local environment. The residents of the Borough want to see the streets litter free and we welcome their support with initiatives like this,” said Mayor of Craigavon, Councillor Mark Baxter.

The aim of the Adopt-a-Street scheme is to build upon existing community partnerships and to encourage local communities, school groups, scouts and other young persons’ organisations to become involved. It is open to all individuals and groups and will help make a difference to the local area and encourage a feeling of community spirit.

The Mayor added: “Clean streets leads to a feeling of safety and pride in your local environment. Council is extremely proactive when it comes to littering, we have a zero tolerance policy and Environmental Wardens regularly patrol the Borough issuing fixed penalty notices when they see people littering and we also have one of the biggest networks of litter bins and dog bins across Northern Ireland.

“I am delighted that we also have the support of the residents who wish to take positive action to help keep their nearby streets and roads litter free, for their own benefit and the enjoyment of a cleaner environment for all. The new Adopt-a-Street initiative will in no way affect the service provided by Craigavon Borough Council and we will continue to provide our scheduled cleansing services as usual.”

Volunteers can pick up litter on a particular street or road of their choosing as and when they wish and as frequently as they choose. Individual volunteers must be aged 16 or over to register for the scheme, however groups of young persons aged under 16 can take part when supervised by an adult.

Anyone wishing to take part in the scheme can request a copy of the Expression of Interest form and guidance notes which explain the scheme in detail and how it operates. For more information regarding the Adopt-a-Street campaign or to request forms contact Pamela Hanna, Community Engagement Officer on 028 3831 2534 or [email protected].