A COUNCIL is preparing to launch a campaign to help clean up South Lakeland and keep it litter free.

South Lakeland District Council (SLDC) is preparing to launch the Clean Up South Lakeland campaign, which is designed to encourage everyone to take pride in their neighbourhood.

SLDC is kicking off the campaign by supporting Keep Britain Tidy’s Great British Spring Clean for the fifth year in a row, taking place from May 28 to June 13.

This nationwide event is an ideal opportunity for people to roll up their sleeves and help clean up a corner of South Lakeland, whether it’s the street where they live, a nearby park or playground, or a favourite patch of countryside or coast.

The council can support would-be litter pickers by loaning equipment including litter pickers, hi-vis jackets and gloves, as well as supplying rubbish sacks and arranging for its Street Scene crews to collect the filled bags of rubbish afterwards.

Now that outdoor gatherings of up to 30 people are permitted, people can pledge to take part as a group or as an individual.

Councillor Dyan Jones, SLDC’s portfolio holder for climate action and biodiversity, said: “It is great to welcome back the GB Spring Clean for another year.

“Litter-picking is a very worthwhile activity with many benefits, such as making where we live safer and more attractive; getting out and exercising in the fresh air; and feeling more connected to your community.

“One of the key themes in our council plan is addressing the climate emergency, and our ambition is ‘a more beautiful, quieter and cleaner district leading the way to net zero’.

“Once the GB Spring Clean is over, we will be keeping the momentum going with our Clean Up South Lakeland campaign. The council will be rolling out some great initiatives over the summer as our teams work to keep South Lakeland litter-free, as well as inspiring residents and businesses to do their bit.”

Cllr Philip Dixon, portfolio holder for customer and locality services, said: “It is important that we all take pride in where we live.

“We live in such a beautiful area, including parts of two National Parks, the Lake District and the Yorkshire Dales, and we want to do everything we can to protect these wonderful surroundings for generations to come.”

If you would like to arrange to borrow litter-picking kit or collection of filled rubbish bags, email: locality@southlakeland.gov.uk and to find out more about the Great British Spring Clean and make a pledge, visit: www.keepbritaintidy.org