Pendle News Room

Pendle Council is backing the Great British Spring Clean campaign for the third year running and we’re encouraging local groups to take part.  

Audrey Drinkwater from our Localities Team has been contacting local schools and organisations across Pendle.  She said:
“The event involves around half a million people across the UK and takes place from Friday 22nd March to Tuesday 23rd April.

“Keep Britain Tidy is asking people to be part of the pick and we’re keen to do our bit here in Pendle!”

 “We’re urging more organisations, including local businesses,  to sign up and make a real difference. 

“Pendle Council will provide litter bags and litter picks and we’ll collect any litter collected at the end of each event during the Great British Spring Clean.

“It’s important that people let us know about their event and register it with us,” said Audrey.

“We know that lots of community organisations help with litter picks and we’re grateful for all their efforts and would love them to be part of this national event,” she added.

Organisers also need to register online with The Great British Spring Clean  www.keepbritaintidy.org/gbspringclean   and follow the guidelines for health and safety.

Pendle’s litter heroes include Bradley Primary School, Friends of Marsden Park, Ghausia Girls High School, St Philip’s Primary School, Walverden Primary School and Whitefield Community Association, in Nelson.

Friends of Greenfield Local Nature Reserve and Waterside Neighbourhood Action Group, Colne are taking part plus the Trawden in Bloom group will be out in force. 

In Brierfield, Pendle Primary Academy has signed up to take part.  

And in West Craven Barnoldswick Glitterati and Love Earby Litter Pickers will be doing their bit as will pupils from  St Joseph’s Primary School which has teamed up with Barnoldswick in Bloom.

Other organisations taking part include Roughlee Parish Council, Pick up for Pendle and staff from Pendle Council.

Whilst local volunteers are out making a difference, new Enforcement Officers are covering all areas of Pendle and are taking a tough line.

They started issuing on the spot fines just over 3 weeks ago and have already issued over 400 on the spot fines for people caught littering.

People have been caught for dropping cigarette stubs, food wrappers and drinks cans and bottles.

“District Enforcement Ltd works across all parts of Pendle for a 12 month trial at no cost to Pendle Council, explained David Alexander, who leads Pendle Council’s Environmental Crime Team.

“We want to clamp down on the people who are spoiling Pendle’s environment for everyone else.

“Littering is an environmental crime and the fine for littering has recently increased from £75 to £150, or £80 for early payment.  

“This includes cigarette butts,” he warned.

Pendle Council has also increased the fine for littering from a vehicle from £75 to £150.

Local people can flag up problem hotspots for littering and dog fouling online  www.pendle.gov.uk/doitonline  

David said: “Please provide as many details as possible to help Pendle Council catch the culprits!

Having the new team of enforcers is freeing up time for Pendle Council’s Environmental Crime Officers to tackle lengthier problems, such as investigating fly tips and work to bring the culprits to court. 

“The aim is simply to make Pendle a cleaner place,” said David.