Sheffield school pupils say they are 'desperate' to tackle litter and call on council to give them more recycling bins

Two pupils from Fir Vale School stood up in front of a full council meeting on Wednesday, February 5, with their fellow classmates watching in the public gallery.

Taking it in turns to speak, they said: "Our climate is changing for the worse, when these new generations dream and think of the future it is staggering to think that these lush, green parks, clean streets and fresh air can remain in our past and the generations to come will not get to witness what you and I had the chance to be blessed with.

"We are desperate for action to be taken. So desperate that we have taken this issue into our own hands.

"On the journey to school I am usually sickened by the things I witness. You never want to see your neighbourhood, your area, your home, overflowing with rubbish that always ends up on the floor.

"All we are asking for is more recycling bins in our area."

They received a full council standing ovation and councillor Mark Jones, cabinet member for environment, said he will look into setting up a 'bring-it' type of recycling site in collaboration with the school.

He said he will also explore options around a litter pick with the students and visit the school to find out what else would help them tackle problems with litter at the school.