Supergran Heather lifts 14 stone of litter since start of pandemic

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A Co Armagh granny has become a community champion after picking up 100 bags of litter since the start of the COVID-19 crisis.

“I hate litter” is Portadown woman Heather’s mantra and she has put words into action.

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It’s true what they say that it only takes one person to make a difference as local litter hero Heather has proved.

She signed up the Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon’s Adopt-A-Street Scheme at the start of this year and has been thoroughly committed to keeping the borough’s beautiful green spaces clean and tidy.

Community Champion Healther lifts 100 bags of rubbish.Community Champion Healther lifts 100 bags of rubbish.
Community Champion Healther lifts 100 bags of rubbish.

Through the scheme Heather was equipped with protective gloves, a litter picker, high-viz vest, collection bags and a hints and tips booklet on how to run successful clean ups.

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Now retired, Heather is regularly out and about walking along the black paths which run between Portadown to Craigavon.

To date she has picked up around 14 stone of unsightly waste to date. What’s more as a Community Champion, Heather also works closely with a wide range of council officers, helping report overflowing bins, fly-tipping, vandalised trolleys, broken glass and dog fouling mess.

“I hate litter! said the granny of two. Heather believes this preventable eyesore has a negative impace on the local community. She said she has gained inspiration from other local litter champions.

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“I felt I could also do something when I’m out and about in my area. Signing up to council’s Adopt-A-Street Scheme enabled me to get access to the necessary equipment and support, helping me make a real difference very quickly. Litter picking is not only an easy way to repay the natural world for all the good things we enjoy, it’s also a productive way to keep fit outside and enjoy social interaction with other walkers. As a community we need to do better, this isn’t someone else’s problem, we all have to do our bit. So give litter picking a go, become a Community Champion, contact the council who will give you all the support you need and together we can keep our environment safe and clean for everyone to enjoy!”

Lord Mayor of Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon, Councillor Kevin Savage said: “Heather is an excellent example of how the actions of one person can help make a positive impact upon our environment and help keep our borough beautiful.

“A blight on our environment, littering not only causes harm to wildlife but also costs millions of pounds a year to clear up. Through council’s programmes such as Adopt-A-Street and Green Dog Walkers, we are delighted to help local residents – like Heather – preserve a clean and safe environment for the benefit of everyone.

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“As a Community Champion, Heather has helped us identify and action areas for improvement such as installing new dog fouling signage, relocating bins, removing graffiti, highlighting more effective allocation of resources as well as raising awareness.

“Heather has been a real asset to council – and I would encourage other residents to follow in the footsteps of this very inspirational woman!”

Contact ABC Council’s Environmental Health department on 0300 0300 900 or email [email protected]

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