The Big Spring Clean

Litter Facts

Since the 1960's the amount of litter dropped in the UK has risen by 500%.  Nearly 50% of the population admit to dropping litter, and 30% of drivers admit to throwing it while driving.

In 2004/5 English (not UK) local authorities spent a total of £574 million on cleaning roads and streets and by 2009/10 it had risen by 49% to £885 million.

We pay our council tax so that someone can come along and pick up litter. Right?

Well no, not exactly. Whilst litter picking is a part of the council's Street Scene remit, the responsibility cannot end there. In truth, the council does not have the resources for litter picking initiatives - the days of the road sweeper have gone - to be replaced by the occasional visit by Darlington's mechanical 'street sweepers'.

Just two weeks ago the council's Street Scene operators tackled some of the problems of litter in Victoria Road. Unfortunately, their efforts did not extend to the planted bank at the rear of nos 8 - 24 South Terrace.

Some residents of South Terrace will have seen me picking up the odd can or fast-food wrapper from Feethams South, to place it in one of the bins at the Victoria Road junction. I work on the assumption that, if the place looks a mess, it will get worse. The signal that comes from a clean street is that someone cares.

From 18 March to 12 May 2013 Darlington Council is planning to deliver the  Big Spring Clean.

Might we get involved? 
One very useful venture would be to tackle the Victoria Road bank. 

I would be prepared to coordinate a Saturday or Sunday 'Spring Clean' day, focussing on South Terrace, the back lanes and the Victoria Road bank. The council will provide 'litter pickers' and litter sacks. We will only need to provide our own gloves and refreshments.

With the 'Spring Clean', we could organise our own civic attack on the Victoria Road bank with a GuerrillaGardening style event - The 'Big South Terrace Plant'. 

This could include shade loving shrubs and spring bulbs to face the Victoria Road side of the bank, giving both the joy of colour, and that little extra privacy and security at the rear of South Terrace.   

Left, the dull corner of Victoria Road and Feethams South.

Right, looking west up Victoria Road towards Sainsburys.




Left, the fairly bare bank at the rear of Pease Cottages.

Those who are not in a position or do no wish to assist with the active work are invited to help Stephanie with the refreshments - a trestle table, seats, tea urn and cakes (if anyone is willing to bake) will be set up at the rear of no 8.


Who said we cannot make a difference if we wish to do do? Comments below.......