Published: Friday, 21st June 2019
Two more volunteer groups have benefited from a grant received by the borough council.
In March, the ministry of housing, communities and local government announced funding of £9.75 million for local community groups. The council received £26,636 to be used to expand community clear up equipment.
On Monday 17 June, both the Gaywood Valley Conservation Group and Grimston/Pott Row parish council collected their own litter picking kits, including hoops, scoops, high-vis vests and bags.
John Hayes, secretary of the Gaywood Valley Conservation Group and his volunteers frequently go out litter picking and carrying out conservation work said: “These kits will be a great help, they’ve got everything we should possibly need, from grabbers for picking litter up to pooper scoopers should we find any dog dirt.
“Please throw your rubbish in the bins, try to reduce your plastic waste, and keep the place tidy”.
Michael De Whalley, borough councillor, parish councillor for Grimston and chair of the conservation group said: “These kits will help us to help the community, we all enjoy what we do on a Monday morning. Around 25 – 30 volunteers come and help each week between 10am and 1pm.
Colin Manning, councillor for Gayton and Grimston ward, said: “I really do admire the fact that we’ve got volunteers here who are prepared to give up 3 hours every Monday to keep the area tidy.
“I’m pleased to be presenting these packs, which will be very useful, but think it’s a great pity that it’s necessary and wish people could take the rubbish home or dispose of it in a bin.”
The ten-person kits are available to book by calling 0800 2532687. Groups that have been booking kits regularly in the past will be presented with equipment to keep.