Anti-litter John takes pride in his community

John Holt of Chesham Tenants and Residents Association is the latest local resident to sign the Bury Street Care pledge and receive a free litter pack.  

Bury Street Care pledge is all about involving communities in looking after the environment, reducing litter and promoting recycling. Residents, schools and businesses can all take the pledge and so far nearly 200 residents, 14 schools and 18 businesses have already done so. 

John Holt was presented with his free litter pack, which includes a high visibility vest, a draw string bag, protective gloves, a hoop for holding open a rubbish bag and a litter pick, by Councillor Tony Isherwood, cabinet member for the environment. 

Cllr Isherwood said: “John is a local volunteer with Chesham Fold TRA and enjoys doing his bit to help look after his neighbourhood. He regularly litter-picks Goldfinch Drive and Finchy Park play space to help keep it tidy for local children to enjoy.

“In an ideal world people wouldn’t drop litter and we wouldn’t have to deal with the consequences of it, but unfortunately they do. The council’s street care teams remove more than 3,500 tonnes of litter from Bury’s streets each year and, sadly, around 80% of this could be recycled instead. It’s great that John and other local people are committing to do their bit to help keep our communities tidy and litter-free. Not only is litter unsightly, it has hidden dangers for ourselves, animals and the environment.”

John Holt said: “I was more than happy to make this commitment when I found out about the pledge. In fact, I’ve really been enjoying getting out and about in the fresh air with other volunteers from Chesham TRA. As well as giving me a sense of achievement from a job well done, litter-picking helps keep me active, fit and healthy. I think more people should give it a try.”

Residents, schools and businesses can all take the pledge online at www.bury.gov.uk/pledge. 

ENDS

Press release issued: 13 May 2014.

Picture attached: John Holt (right) takes the Bury Street Care pledge with Councillor Tony Isherwood.

Note to editors: Full information about the Bury Street Care pledge is available on the council’s website at www.bury.gov.uk/pledge.