Organisations are coming together in Mansfield to take part in a national campaign to tidy up Britain.

The Great British Spring Clean, spearheaded by Keep Britain Tidy, will see Mansfield District Council working with other community organisations on clean-up efforts over two months from March to May.

The town is calling on residents, businesses, community groups, and schools to join in with litter-picking activities to improve the district.

The initiative will be launched at Oak Tree Leisure Centre on Wednesday, 26th March at 11am, when Coun Andy Burgin, portfolio holder for Environment and Leisure, will join the council’s Community Protection and the Health and Wellbeing teams for a litter pick around the leisure centre and neighbouring heath area.

Andy said: “The Great British Spring Clean is a great opportunity to tidy up our district and show our commitment to making Mansfield a cleaner, greener place for everyone.

“We would love more residents to join us in our big ‘tidy together’ initiative. When people help look after their neighbourhoods, it brings communities together and encourages a sense of pride and ownership for their patch. Collectively, we can all bring about improvements.”

Council officers will be joined at the launch by staff from More Leisure Community Trust, which operates Oak Tree Leisure Centre for the council, and by the people who have been referred to the Immediate Justice Scheme.

This scheme provides a community pay-back remedy for people who have been involved in low-level crime or anti-social behaviour as an alternative to being referred to the criminal justice system or being issued with a fixed penalty notice. The scheme has successfully completed clean-up work in many areas of Mansfield.

Other planned events include a Day of Action in the town centre on Wednesday, 2nd April, led by Mansfield Forward BID and involving West Nottinghamshire College and the council’s Community Safety and Public Space teams.

Jay Rowlinson, chief executive of Mansfield Forward BID, said: “We are looking forward to working with Mansfield District Council on its second town centre day of action.

“The first day of action last year was a complete success ensuring the town centre looked great for the summer and beyond. Delivering the second day of action as part of the Great British Spring Clean and working with a number of partners together highlights the willingness for us all to work together to make Mansfield the very best it can be.”

West Nottinghamshire College will carry out another litter pick in the Nottingham Road area of Mansfield on Friday, 4th April.

Kat Wisniewski, head of the college’s Step-up and Progress Hub and the Mansfield Education Hub, said: “We’re delighted to have two groups of students involved in the up-coming litter pick.

“I think this will give them a real sense of pride tidying up areas of their community as well as increase their confidence and self-esteem. It will also be a great addition to build up their CVs and use as evidence of commitment during future employment interviews.”

In May, the council’s Housing team will be organising clean-ups in Ravensdale, Ladybrook Lane, Oak Tree estate, and Newhaven Avenue.

How to Get Involved

The council may be able to loan litter-picking equipment to groups who would like to be involved in The Great British Spring Clean. Contact 01623 463463 or email grimebusters@mansfield.gov.uk to request support.

For further information about the clean-up follow Mansfield District Council’s social media channels on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn.