The Council supports the call to join in the Great British Spring Clean

Community groups, individuals and organisations in Reading are being invited to take action to tidy up their local area in this year’s Great British Spring Clean.

Reading Council is supporting the annual Keep Britain Tidy campaign, happening between 13-29 March, while reminding resident of its offering of free litter picking equipment to volunteers taking part.

The initiative complements the Council’s Reading Adopt Your Street (RAYS) movement which encourages communities to work together to keep their streets, open spaces, footpaths, parks and shopping areas clean.

RAYS is open to individuals, community groups, businesses and schools, and will provide all the equipment needed to help keep streets, open spaces, footpaths, parks and shopping areas litter-free.

When signing up, volunteers receive for free:

• litter pickers
• 100% recycled plastic bags
• gloves
• hi-vis jackets

Residents are encouraged to talk to neighbours or local community groups to co-ordinate a group of individuals to work together. Anyone needing some help with getting a crew together can visit www.reading.gov.uk/RAYS to find out more.

Other ways that residents can help is by reporting full bins or other waste related issues, such as fly-tipping, via The Love Clean Streets app, which is downloadable from your phone’s app store, where you can report incidences immediately along with photographic evidence and an exact location, or calling 0118 937 3787.

Cllr Karen Rowland, Lead Councillor for Environmental Services and Community Safety, said:

“There are a great many enthusiastic teams of volunteers who are part of the Reading Adopt Your Street (RAYS) movement and play a vital role in keeping their local streets, open spaces, parks and footpaths clean throughout the year.  

“The Great British Spring Clean is a great opportunity for neighbours, communities and colleagues to come together and make a positive difference.

“We are happy to support volunteers by offering equipment such as litter pickers, gloves and rubbish bags for free.

“The Council’s dedicated Streetcare teams continue to carry out their cleaning rounds in all parts of the borough but our passionate RAYS volunteers go that extra mile to take pride in where they live.

“I simply cannot thank our wonderful volunteers enough for the work they do in this town. I join litter picks with several groups and it is one of the most enjoyable and satisfying activities that I do. I would encourage residents to give it a try just once and see if they don’t find the same level of satisfaction, and make a few new friends along the way.”

Anyone interested in finding out more about RAYS and taking part should visit: https://www.reading.gov.uk/about-reading/improving-your-community/reading-adopt-your-street-rays/.