Community unites to tackle litter

The event, organised by Hartlepool Borough Council in response to concerns expressed about litter in the Marina Way/Maritime Avenue area, brought together members of the public, representatives of local businesses, councillors and Council cleansing staff.

Councillor Karen Oliver, Chair of the Council’s Neighbourhood Services Committee, said: “The response to this initiative was fantastic and I am so grateful to everyone who got involved.

“It was a display of real community togetherness, and I was proud to take part myself alongside so many others.

“It was also heartening that so many people waved and or beeped their car horns as they passed to express support for the initiative and the efforts of the litter pickers.

“Hartlepool is a wonderful town full of great people, and the response to this event confirms that. It shows that by coming together in this way we really can make a difference.”

The National Museum of the Royal Navy Hartlepool supported the community litter pick along with Asda and McDonald’s, whilst volunteers from the Hartlepool Big Town Tidy Up also got involved.

Around 30 sacks of litter were collected.

Councillor Oliver added: “Council staff work hard on a day-to-day to keep the borough as clean and tidy as possible for both residents and visitors but resources are limited, so the support of local people and businesses is important and hugely appreciated.

“My message to people who drop litter is simple – love Hartlepool and help keep it clean. Please dispose of your litter responsibly in a bin or at home if a bin isn’t immediately available.

“Where we have evidence of people failing to accept their responsibilities and dropping litter, we won’t hesitate to take enforcement action.”

For more information about the Hartlepool Big Town Tidy Up go to https://www.facebook.com/groups/2371734569779386/