North Devon Council is proud to once again be taking part in, and supporting Keep Britain Tidy's, Great British Spring Clean (GBSC), the largest mass environmental action campaign in the UK. This nationwide initiative aims to inspire collaboration between individuals, community organisations, businesses, and councils to cleanse local streets, parks, and beaches from litter.

In its ninth consecutive year, the GBSC will run from 15 March to 31 March 2024. The council is encouraging residents to engage in group clean-up events or commit to individual litter picks during this period. The district's waste and recycling team is ready to assist by providing litter picking equipment (subject to availability) and arranging for the collection of litter gathered during clean-up events by prior arrangement.

Lead Member for Climate and Biodiversity at North Devon Council, Councillor Ricky Knight, says: "This annual initiative not only rejuvenates our streets, parks, and beaches but also strengthens our collective commitment to a cleaner, greener North Devon. Let's come together, pick up the challenge, and create a lasting positive impact on our environment. To register your support, please head over to Keep Britain Tidy's website. By doing this, you will be enabling them to keep track of all the good work that goes on across the country!"

Lead Member for Waste and Recycling at North Devon Council, Councillor Julie Hunt, says: "I encourage each resident to participate in this transformative initiative. Take up our waste and recycling team's generous offer of borrowing equipment and arranging for collection of litter. By doing so, you're not just cleaning our local environment; you're playing a crucial role in safeguarding our planet."

This environmental effort aligns with the council's ongoing 'Clear Messages' campaign, targeting environmental offences. The community is urged to actively participate by reporting information about litterers, promoting the campaign's mantra: 'Challenge it, Report it, Change it.'

Furthermore, North Devon Council proudly collaborates with Clean Devon, a multi-agency partnership dedicated to tackling litter and flytipping across the region. For more information on the group's initiatives, please visit their website. 

Residents or groups interested in borrowing equipment or scheduling litter collection can reach out to the council via email pete.sheppard@northdevon.gov.uk or by calling the team on 01271 374776.

Environmental offences, including fly-tipping or littering, can be reported to the council online or by calling 01271 388870. For comprehensive clean-up advice and preparation, please visit Keep Britain Tidy's website.