29th April 2019

Great British Spring Clean

During Great British Spring Clean volunteers removed 1035 bags of litter from our streets.

Thank you to all Pickup Artists!

Our sponsors offered amazing awards which were distributed to those who picked up the most.

Land Oak Pub Kidderminster

Thank you to the manager at The Landoak for giving a massive prize to the group who have worked tirelessly to keep the area litter free during The Great British Spring Clean. 61 bags of litter removed from our streets come rain or shine.

The Granary – Jane and Paul

Congratulations to Jane and Paul for your hard work during the Great British Spring Clean. All your recycling has won you both a meal at The Granary. Thank you to the support from staff and managers for your generous donation.

Tarina Steward Avon – Pauline Round

Thank you to Pauline Round for writing a beautiful poem about litter. You have won a beautiful Avon hamper donated by Tarina Steward. https://www.avon.uk.com/store/tee

Foleys Fish Shop – Sam

Thank you to Sam who works so hard to keep the area where she lives as clean as possible. Not always easy in an electric wheel chair but thank you for not giving up and recruiting family to get to the bits you can’t reach. Your community should thank you. Foleys Fish Shop do. Enjoy a meal on them and maybe treat your niece.

Tesco – Maisie

Congratulations to Maisie for her continued effort to tackle litter for her Duke of Edinburgh Award. Tesco have heard about your time and dedication and have given you a £10 voucher. Well done from all The Pickup Artists.

Tracys Bakes and Cakes & Tesco – Chloe

Chloe received a surprise box of cupcakes from Tracy’s Bakes and Cakes. She received a £10 voucher from Tesco. https://www.facebook.com/tracysbakesandcakes/

Press Release

Keep Britain Tidy announced the dates for their Great British Spring Clean, it would run from 22nd March to 23rd April. The Pickup Artists decided to run a competition to see who could fill a roll of bags. Each role contained 10 bags and lots of people managed to complete this over the 33 days. In total The Pickup Artists filled an amazing 1035 bags of litter. These were collected by individuals and groups across Kidderminster, Bewdley, Stourport and surrounding towns and villages. Some of this litter was recycled but sadly a lot of it went to landfill. As a result this litter will no longer be a threat to wildlife or end up in our oceans. WFDC supported the group by collecting bags very quickly, handing out spare bags to people and always being at the end of the phone if there was a query or fly tipping to report.

The group worked with the various organisations to litter pick land including The Canal & River Trust, the Pickup Artists loaned equipment to local companies for their staff to litter pick their land and local streets. This team work all resulted in a positive way to make where people work and live better.

Our Junior Pickup Artists managed to collect 156 bags on litter collections around their schools, Scouts, and Cubs also joined in during evenings clearing up where they meet. It was wonderful to watch the children understand why litter was harmful and to watch their determination to collect every single bit, including hard to pick up cigarette ends. Chloe, one of our Junior Pickup Artists has made headlines in her one girl mission to litter pick the whole of her school route. Chloe walked the whole 5.3 miles and made sure there was no litter left behind.

Lots of local businesses supported the group by giving prizes and vouchers. Many support all year through by giving 20% off to litter pickers with a loyalty card. This is a great incentive and very kind.

Michelle Medler, founder of The Pickup Artists and a Litter Heroes Ambassador for Keep Britain Tidy said “I cannot believe the amount of litter collected by the group in such a short time but I have been impressed with their stamina and determination. The group have been out in all weathers and the posts on our Facebook page have been great to follow. I hope now the Great British Spring Clean has ended our group still feel the urge to continue to love where they live and pick up litter. I would like to thank every single person who picks up litter even if you are not part of our group.”