Sheffield business urges others to do their bit in war on litter

Surgical blade manufacturer Swann-Morton, based on Penistone Road in Hillsborough, has taken a no-nonsense approach to litter.

Not only does it keep its site in tip-top condition with regular litter picks, it also goes out of its way to tidy up surrounding streets.

The firm is also one of the first places in the city to sponsor a bin to show its support for the city council’s Clean Sheffield campaign, backed by The Star.

The Clean Sheffield campaign aims to provide residents and businesses with the tools and knowledge to enable them to play a small part in keeping their community clean.

Mike Hirst, from Swann-Morton, said: “We are proud to be working in Sheffield and it is important to us to ensure that we work in a clean and tidy environment.

“It doesn’t take a lot of effort for us to pick up any litter that may have blown onto our premises or to pick up litter on the outskirts of the business. We want all businesses in the city to play their part. We don’t find it hard to do a little bit each day to keep the area clean.

”I know that some businesses may think that they don’t have the time or can’t afford the staff time to clean up around their business, but this doesn’t have to be a time consuming task.

“If they do a little bit each day and keep on top of whatever litter is there, then this would only take five to ten minutes a day.

“We all need to take responsibility for our city.”

Coun Bryan Lodge, cabinet member for the environment, said: “Companies like Swann-Morton are a great example of how one business can make a big difference in the city.

“They are giving back to the city by helping to make sure it looks its best.

“I would encourage more and more businesses to follow in their footsteps and all play their part to help keep the city clean.

“We hope that the Clean Sheffield campaign will inspire both residents and businesses to not just walk past litter if they see it on the floor, but to pick it up and bin it.”