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Thousands of Greater Manchester residents urged to take part in huge UK-wide ‘spring clean’ this month

Not the kind of 'spring clean' you're probably expecting, though.

Emily Sergeant - 7th March 2024

Greater Manchester residents are being urged to take part in huge UK-wide ‘spring clean’ that’s happening this month.

We all know that a new season brings with it a chance for a reset, and the term ‘spring clean’ is a pretty popular one that hasn’t come from nowhere – but now, residents across the region are being encouraged to “roll up their sleeves” and join in with the annual UK-wide ‘Great British Spring Clean’ that’s taking place from next week.

Only, the difference is, this is actually a big ‘spring clean’ of our local communities instead, rather than a call to clean up your own property.

Run by Keep Britain Tidy, and having been happening all across the country – including here in Greater Manchester – for several years now, the volunteer organisation has just kick-started its annual campaign, The Great British Spring Clean, for 2024 and is calling on locals to get stuck-in by helping to tidy up local parks, pathways, and other green spaces.

The #GBSpringClean returns from 15 – 31 March.

Join volunteer #LitterHeroes, community groups, and businesses, big and small as they come together to tidy the places we love.

Head to our website today and make your #BigBagPledge: https://t.co/mnTPcMkc7D pic.twitter.com/X2jsf4KsM3
— Keep Britain Tidy (@KeepBritainTidy) February 23, 2024

Since 2018, the annual community clean-up has been supported by Manchester City Council in partnership with Keep Manchester Tidy (KMT) following a turnout of countless volunteers – who have proudly become known as as ‘litter heroes’.

The ‘litter heroes’ across the UK have pledged to “banish lingering litter to the bins for good” by aiming to pick up 400,000 bags of waste.

Back in 2023, there were 155 litter picking events across Manchester city region, 1,564 litter pickers loaned out, and 300 litter picking sets gifted to individuals and families – with a whopping 2,500 bags given to volunteers, which were later collected by the Council’s partner, Biffa.

Greater Manchester residents are being urged to take part in huge UK-wide ‘spring clean’ this month / Credit: Keep Manchester Tidy (via Facebook)

But for this year’s Great British Spring Clean – which is running from next Friday 15 March, right through to the end of the month – it’s hoped to be even more successful than ever before.

This year’s theme is focused on ‘Diversity and Inclusion’ to encourage even more Mancs to join the national movement.

Speaking ahead of the UK-wide event launching next week, Councillor Lee-Ann Igbon, who is the Executive Member for Vibrant Neighbourhoods at Manchester City Council, commented: “It is fantastic to see the Great British Spring Clean make a return to our city.

It’s part of the ‘Great British Spring Clean’ organised by Keep Britain Tidy / Credit: Keep Manchester Tidy (via Facebook)

“Every year, we are reminded of how important the work of volunteers and our partners who pledge to keep Manchester tidy truly are, and we hope to encourage more volunteers this year.”

Fancy it then?

If you’re keen to join in, volunteers are advised to wear sturdy shoes and dress appropriately for the weather, and high vis jackets and gloves can be supplied by the Council too, if requested.

Follow and share your ‘pledge to pick’ with hashtags #GBSpringClean2024 and #MCRSpringClean24 on social media too.

Featured Image – Manchester City Council