'Litter heroes' to keep Sheffield tidy - one street at a time

Former full-time carer Geraldine Houlton, from Fulwood, is supporting Sheffield Council's 'Clean Sheffield' campaign, which launched in 2017 to encourages people to take pride in their local areas by organising litter picks.

Along with her dog, Rufus, she has already taken part in a number of events in her area, and now wants to encourage lots more volunteers to do the same where they live.

She said: “I see it as a jigsaw puzzle. I want each area to have their own 'litter hero' who will work together towards one shared goal and make a pledge to keep the road where they live litter-free.

“As well as telling family and friends about their efforts, they will proactively organise and recruit other like-minded people who want to see a real difference on our streets and local neighbourhoods.

“By recruiting volunteers one street at a time we will eventually have litter heroes for each and every street. Once we have a good group of individuals, the pieces will start to fit together and hopefully a change in behaviour will be adopted in the areas that we cover.

“It’s all our responsibility to not drop litter so that we can enjoy a clean and tidy environment. If collectively we came together to combat the areas close to where we live, eventually I see it making a real difference to litter levels in Sheffield.”

Targeted at businesses, community groups and individuals alike, Clean Sheffield asks people to make a pledge and help improve litter levels in their local area.

More than £4million is spent each year by Sheffield City Council clearing litter from the city’s parks and streets, much of which could be spent more wisely on other stretched services.

Cabinet advisor for Environment and Street Scene at Sheffield City Council, Councillor Karen Mcgowan said: “It’s fantastic to see that Geraldine and other residents are coming together in support of our Clean Sheffield campaign to help make a difference in their local areas.

"It’s really easy to get involved, whether it’s picking up litter when you see it or being part of a bigger litter-pick.”

To organise a litter pick in your local area visit: www.sheffield.gov.uk/content/sheffield/home/pollution-nuisance/organise-litter-picks or contact Streets Ahead at [email protected] or call 0114 273 4567.