Community litter picks, school visits and improved street cleansing – here’s how Green and Clean is making North East Lincolnshire a better place.
The initiative focuses on six key wards including the likes of Heneage and East Marsh, using several approaches to improve the streets and surrounding areas for the residents.
This included new operational roles to improve the general cleanliness; with streets and channels being cleared in deep cleans and community engagement with The Canoe River Cleaner to educate the younger generation.
A Cabinet Working Party (CWP) was also established to review the Council’s approach to street cleaning and offer recommendations where necessary. Originally, the £200,000 funding was allocated on a trial period in the 2025/26 budget but it has now been confirmed that it will continue, meaning the streets will be cleaner than ever.
Four new barrow operatives were employed during the project, aiding the two already employed, to make further efforts in cleaning wards highlighted as having higher levels of reported litter.
The work carried out by the team has been instrumental in reducing litter reports in the hotspot areas by 30% over the last 12 months. The Deep Cleans have also helped achieve this with road sweepers getting rid of as much as possible to make the roads shine – putting pride into the local area.
However, not everything has been about removing litter. The Canoe River Cleaner has been educating schools and hosting community litter picks every week to make sure the message is heard by the younger generation.
Visiting 14 primary schools in total and engaging with over 1000 students, he and the Council’s Environmental Engagement Officer, have been teaching them about what can and can’t be recycled as well as how to look after the borough’s waterways. He has been doing his bit to put the environment at the forefront of everyone’s mind.
“It’s been great working with the Council to spread the important message that we must look after the environment. From the waterways to the streets, there is no difference.
“It’s up to us to look after them and make sure we’re not littering or harming the local wildlife and their habitats,” he said.
It’s hoped the continuation of this funding will only add to the brilliant work being achieved already. It means the work that has been done is a permanent improvement for the area without the fear of everyone’s hard work being reversed.
The CWP has also made several recommendations which cabinet agreed to consider in their latest meeting. This includes reviewing the bulky waste scheme, maintaining a keen focus on the education scheme currently being provided and improving the customer portal.
“This project has been a complete success,” said Councillor Henry Hudson, Portfolio Holder for Environment and Net Zero. He added: “We’re thrilled to say this will be a permanent fixture for North East Lincolnshire Council and the good work that has already been done will be built upon in the coming week and months.
“I would also like to thank The Canoe River Cleaner in assisting our officers with getting the message out to the younger generation that we have to look after where we live.”
Article and images from NELC.
