Jeff Smith MP is encouraging residents and businesses in Manchester Withington to pledge to do their bit to clear up the litter that can blight the area during the Great British Spring Clean 2023.

This year’s campaign, from 17 March to 2 April, brings together individuals, community organisations, businesses and councils to make a difference to the environment on our doorstep – and the charity is keen to stress litter-picking can be accessible to everybody with the right resources. 

Local residents can show pride in their area by pledging on Keep Britain Tidy’s website to pick a bag or more of litter, helping make a huge difference to the environment.

As well as being good for the environment, after the 2022 campaign, 85% of people who took part said they felt more pride for their local area.

A post campaign survey of participants also shows 71% agreed or strongly agreed that they feel more a part of their local community and 69% agreed or strongly agreed that they are more aware of the litter issues in their local area. 

Jeff Smith MP says: “I’m delighted to support The Great British Spring Clean, alongside the original litter-picking team The Wombles. We have a number of litter picking groups locally that do great work all year round like Bin It Burnage and the Chorlton Wombles; now is a great time to take part if you haven’t before.  

For individuals and groups wanting to take part, you can get in touch with Keep Manchester Tidy who are supporting action this month as well.”

As well as polluting our streets, parks and beaches, litter harms wildlife, domestic pets and cattle.  

Between 2019 and 2020, the RSPCA dealt with 8,092 calls concerning animals being injured or caught up in general litter – an average of 11 incidents per day.

The Great British Spring Clean, now in its eighth year, saw people up and down the country come together last year to clean up nearly half a million bags of litter.

This year’s campaign is made possible thanks to media partner Clear Channel, as well as supporting partners KFC, McDonald’s, Nestlé, Mars Wrigley, Coca-Cola, Walkers and Pepsi MAX. We also thank players of People’s Postcode Lottery for raising funds to support this campaign.

Keep Britain Tidy’s Chief Executive, Allison Ogden-Newton OBE, said: “We are so grateful for the ongoing support from Jeff Smith and his constituents.

“Now into its eighth year, the Great British Spring Clean is a fantastic way for people to really show their pride in where they live, and connect with like-minded residents, while taking serious and immediate action to protect the environment on their doorstep. 

“During this year’s campaign, we are calling on everyone to show #PrideinPlace and help us harness the power of collective environmental action by taking on the #BigBagChallenge. It’s inspiring to see so many councils have made a commitment this year to support this vital call to action to protect our environment.

“Whether it’s a pledge to pick one bag or 50, we hope all of our MPs feel proud to see armies of #LitterHeroes volunteers carrying out these acts of kindness to make their constituency a cleaner, safer place for our future generations”.

Pledge to get involved today at www.keepbritaintidy.org/gbspringclean and support us on social media with the hashtag #GBSpringClean and #BigBagChallenge

For residents and groups in Manchester, Keep Manchester Tidy can support residents and groups – e-mail keepmanchestertidy@manchester.gov.uk to request equipment and support for a tidy up in your area.