The Great British Spring Clean starts today (Friday) and you can join in and support the initiative across Dover district.

Hosted by Keep Britain Tidy, the national campaign is on a #MillionMileMission to clear litter from the country’s streets, parks, beaches and countryside.

It continues until Sunday, June 13.

In the past 12 months, outdoor spaces have mattered to residents more than ever, supporting mental and physical health and wellbeing throughout the lockdown.

To support this year’s campaign, Dover District Council is:

Supporting community litter picks by providing equipment and arranging for the collection and disposal of any litter that has been collected.

Installing nine beach litter bag stations across the district to encourage residents to bag and bin their waste when at the beach.

Encouraging smokers to use dedicated cigarette butt ballot bins in Dover and Deal town centres during the campaign, and giving out pouches across the district.

Introducing two-minute beach cleans, as spearheaded by The 2 Minute Foundation, acharity devoted to cleaning up the planet two minutes at a time with simple, achievable acts that can add up.

Reminding residents to clean up after their dogs and dispose responsibly.

Highlighting the scourge of litter on road verges and educating residents to take their rubbish home with them or face penalty fines.

Running a photography competition for residents aged 18 and under, encouraging them to take shots of their local area that instil pride in the district.

Local schools, businesses and community groups are also being encouraged to do their bit for the Great British Spring Clean. Residents can organise their own litter picks via the council's website dover.gov.uk/gbsc

Covid guidelines will be followed, with hand sanitiser and gloves available if needed.

Cllr Nick Kenton, cabinet member for regulatory services, said: “The Council is pleased to be supporting the Great British Spring Clean this year.

"Small acts by members of our local community all add up to make a big difference. It is also volunteers’ week from June 1 to 7 and I would like to take this opportunity to sincerely thank our hard-working litter picking groups who volunteer to support us in this way.”

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