Big Spring Clean for council staff

The Big Spring Clean is Northern Ireland’s biggest volunteer clean-up and last year almost 90,000 volunteers got involved in clean up events across Northern Ireland, removing an amazing 107 tonnes of litter.

That’s equivalent to six double decker buses.

Volunteers turned out at three different locations; the Palace Grounds in Armagh, in Banbridge they walked from the civic building along the river towards Huntly Wood and in Craigavon staff met at the central retail area close to Rushmere and walked the pathways and underpasses.

An incredible 37 bags were collected, a mix of general waste and recyclable materials, with the support of over 30 council employees.

Some of the items lifted included plastic bottles and cans in large quantities. Even discarded nappies were picked up.

These are items that would have a negative impact to the local environment.

Lord Mayor of Armagh City Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council Cllr Darryn Causby said: “The support shown by staff is really commendable - they have shown their dedication to the Borough and have made a great impact to each of the areas in such a short space of time.”

Craigavon school, Lismore Comprehensive also came out in support of the event. Their Eco Co-ordinator and pupils gave up their lunch time to collect litter left behind by careless walkers and commuters.

Business O2 of Rushmere, who are a part of the Council’s Adopt-a-street scheme, also came along in support.

“A lot of hard work has been put into this scheme by Council Officers and of course by all of the volunteers who get involved,” said Gillian Topping, Head of Environmental Health.

“You can see a huge difference to the streets of this Borough and it is wonderful to see so many people taking ownership of their areas. Big congratulations and thank you to all involved.”

If you think you would like to become involved as a resident, group, school or business please contact Community Engagement Officer Pamela Hanna on 02838 312534.