Clearly those posters that are prominent in spud wood aren't having much effect– a group of locals is so fed up with the amount of litter that they are picking up that they decided to do something about it. Lymm Ploggers Network, Keep Lymm Klean and Lymm Litter Network with the kind support of the Parish Council, are launching The Big Lymm-Clean-Up Campaign which plans to get everyone in Lymm
onboard to tackle the problem, help restore the village and its woodland and trails to a litter-free state - and keep it that way!
Organiser C Knight says ‘Lymm, has been severely affected during the pandemic due to increased footfall as it’s a noted beauty spot. Unfortunately, there are only 17 full time employees to empty bins and litter-pick in the whole of Warrington and even with this and the wonderful efforts of 100 or so regular litter-picking volunteers, the battle against litter is being lost.
The good news though is that people in Lymm have terrific community spirit and love in their environment. With this campaign, we hope to raise awareness of the seriousness and urgency of the problem and ask for their help.’
The Big Lymm Clean Up has three aims. The first is to encourage residents to use picker sticks, (some will be available to take away at local outlets) plastic bags, rubber gloves and hand sanitiser and go out and have a pick.
This doesn’t necessarily mean an excursion with a big sack for two hours. Organiser Fiona Barnett explains.
‘There are simpler, more ‘bite sized’ ways of tackling this, such as the ‘Two Minute Pick’ in your own garden and surrounding pavement, the ‘Five Minute Pick’ of 200 metres around your house or flat and finally, the ‘adding a bit more purpose to your walk’ pick for, say 45 minutes. You will be astonished at how much you will find, even in just a couple of minutes and surprised at how satisfied you will feel at seeing the results!’
The second aim of the Clean-Up is to spotlight the community groups and resources already available in Lymm, that people may want to join. This includes Keep Lymm Kleen, which currently offers equipment for dedicated pickers and which will be holding group picks as soon as lockdown eases, and Lymm Litter Network where you can ‘adopt a route’ to maintain allowing solo pickers to co-ordinate efforts.
Finally, the most challenging objective, which is to educate people to stop throwing litter in the first place and put it in the flippin bin.
And remember, next time you see a volunteer out collecting litter, don’t just smile and say ’thank you, for doing a good job.’ Get yourself a stick and join in!