Eager volunteers wielding bin bags and litter pickers will soon be taking part in a county-wide Suffolk spring clean to rid the districts of discarded rubbish and litter.
But Babergh District Council has kicked off proceedings early with the start of its free Rust In Peace amnesty - a voluntary surrender scheme for unwanted cars.
Unwanted cars can usually be collected by Babergh for an administration fee of £35 - but until the end of April, the charge has been waived in a bid to stop them being illegally dumped or causing a nusiance to neighbours.
Spring Clean Suffolk, which takes place between March 31st and April 13th, is in its third year and was the brainchild of the Suffolk Agricultural Association and aims to highlight the growing problem of litter in the countryside.
As it was so successful in previous years - with four-and-a-half tonnes of rubbish being collected by volunteers in the Babergh district alone – all Suffolk councils have decided to take part again.
Jo Hart, Babergh’s Environmental Protection Officer, said:”The Babergh district has 353 litter bins so there is no excuse for anyone to drop litter.
"It is excellent that so many groups continue to give up their free time to take part in the spring clean and it demonstrates that Babergh residents will not stand for littering."
Last year’s volunteers, who included parish councils, Women’s Institutes and Young Farmers’ Clubs, managed to blitz the Copdock Interchange, take part in a high profile cleanse of the A14 and countless other events. Fourteen litter picks have already been planned for this year’s event.
Babergh’s Environmental Protection team supports litter picks throughout the year. Anyone interested in the Rust in Peace amnesty or interested in organising a litter pick can borrow equipment (pickers, sacks, gloves and high-visibility vests) from Babergh by calling (01473) 825890. ENDS
More information on disposal of unwanted vehicles.
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