NEWSROOM

Now in its tenth year, the campaign - led by Keep Britain Tidy - highlights that caring for the environment is everyone’s responsibility.

This year, the Council will host community litter picks, school events and support volunteer activities across the borough, championed by its extensive network of street champions - a volunteer network that has grown to more than 1,900 members.

The Council is encouraging people of all ages to take part, whether by joining an organised event, forming their own group, or signing up as a street champion themselves.

Councillor Paul Davis Cabinet Member for Communities and Civic Pride said:

“Once again, we are backing the Great British Spring Clean with a shared mission to love where we live by taking action to tackle litter.

“Council staff will be joining street champions, community action teams, community groups, businesses and schools as we come together to celebrate our shared commitment to keeping Telford and Wrekin clean and vibrant. Our collective efforts not only enhance the local environment but also offer a wonderful opportunity to enjoy the outdoors and boost our health and wellbeing.”

“Street champions are amazing volunteers, and we are grateful for the time they give to help keep our streets, parks and green spaces clean and tidy all year round. We would love more residents, families and workplaces to sign up. You can volunteer as much or as little time as you can spare, it all helps.”

Taking part in community activities such as litter picking can help people feel more connected to their local area, build confidence and develop new skills. It provides an opportunity to meet others, enjoy time outdoors and contribute to a shared goal that makes a visible difference. It also counts as a volunteering activity for the Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme.

Many volunteers report increased wellbeing, a stronger sense of pride in where they live and the satisfaction that comes from giving something back to their community.

Councillor Carolyn Healy, Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods, Planning and Sustainability said:

“Our Street Champions teams play a vital role in improving the local environment.

“By reducing litter, cutting down on single‑use plastics and using equipment made from recycled materials wherever possible, they help create cleaner, greener neighbourhoods. These everyday actions make a real difference to the places people live and work, and they support our wider commitment to protecting the environment.”

A packed programme of community and school litter picks will be happening across Telford and Wrekin and everyone’s welcome to join in. Community litter picks are being held in the following locations:

• Saturday 14 March – Wellington Town Council Litter Pick, meet at Wellington Civic Centre TBC
• Sunday 15 March – Newport Litter Pickers, 9am, meet at the Guildhall
• Monday 16 March – Doseley Community Litter Pick, 2–3.30pm, meet at the field at Doseley
• Saturday 21 March –
• Lightmoor Community Litter Pick, meet at Oak Tree Centre, 10.30am–12.30pm
• Dothill Community Litter Pick TBC
• Oakengates Town Council Community Litter Pick, 10am–12noon, meet at The Wakes
• Stirchley and Brookside Parish Council, meet at the Sambrook Centre, 1.30pm to 3.30pm
• Sunday 22 March – Coalbrookdale Community Litter Pick, 10am–12noon Location TBC
• Thursday 26 March – Donnington Hub Community Litter Pick, 10am to 12.30pm, meet at the hub
• Friday 27 March – Ketley Parish Council Litter Pick, 10am to 12noon meet at Ketley community centre

With a number of local schools participating each year, the programme plays an important role in helping children and young people understand the impacts of littering and the value of caring for their environment.

Taking part in these activities not only supports the borough-wide clean‑up effort but also helps instil long‑lasting awareness of environmental responsibility among younger generations. It is not too late for schools or youth groups to get involved and take part in this year’s campaign by organising their own litter picking event.

Residents can join any of the listed events, organise their own litter pick, or sign up as a Street Champion.

For updates on upcoming litter picks, visit the street champions Facebook page or email pride.officer@telford.gov.uk.