Clean Up Britain

Tuesday 7 February

The fight to keep one corner of England tidy

Britain faces a plague of litter, but there some good souls out there who've had enough and just say "No. Enough is enough. We're doing something about it." Active litter-pickers Tidy Stourbridge are one such bunch, and we felt it right to flag up the great work they do at a local level. Dave Colley of Tidy Stourbridge answers the questions.

What was the spur to get your group started?

"We were very concerned about the litter problem locally. There was a passionate campaign called 'Stourbridge Dump' aimed at the Dudley Metropolitan Borough Council and it caught the eyes of the local press. The Deputy Head of the council came out to meet us. Sadly there was no money in the pot at the council to do what we had campaigned for, but the council was able to supply some of the equipment and we decided to go it alone. Tidy Stourbridge was born."

 

Who's involved in your group?

"Just general members of the public from all over Stourbridge made up mostly of women and people in their later years."

 

What is your main objectives?

"With no committee to speak of, we treat it as a bit of exercise, socialising and nothing more than doing some good at the same time. We know we cannot change the world."

 

How often do you go out litter-picking?

"Twice a month usually, Sunday Afternoons in the Winter and Wednesday Evenings in the Summer."

 

What is the atmosphere like at your litter-picks?

"Good natured, friendly and fun with plenty of moans and groans about the state the UK!"

 

What part does Tidy Stourbridge blog play in your activities?

"The blog acts as a diary, is our public front and help promote what we do."

 

Tell me about Coffee 'n' Clean and Pick 'n'Pint

"Pick 'n' Pint was the original (Litter-pick and Pint), Coffee 'n' clean (Flask of Coffee and a litter-pick) was for Sunday Morning litter-picks ,when the pubs were shut, but Sunday mornings were never popular with the regulars!"

 

Have you got any tips or advice for others who are thinking about setting up a litter-picking group?

"A proper committee is a must if funds are required. The local council can often supply the equipment. You must be prepared for low turnouts and getting covered in nasty stuff sometimes. Don't take it all to seriously, as only governments can change the world, not litter-picking groups."

Dave's modesty about the extremely valuable work done by Tidy Stourbridge is a testament to the good people who give their own time to clear up the local environment. Here we firmly believe that individuals and groups with will-power and energy — like Tidy Stourbridge — can indeed change the world.

 

Do you know of any people or groups like
tidy stourbridge who are making a difference?

we'd love to hear from you