THE “Big Lymm Clean-up” campaign has been launched in the village to tackle increasing litter problems during the last year.
Residents who are annoyed at seeing the car parks with entire take-aways dumped in them, or all the cans, crisp packets, and bottles thrown into the hedgerows and discarded facemasks in the streets are urged to join the campaign.
A group of locals with the kind support of the Parish Council, have launched The Big Lymm-Clean-Up Campaign.
The campaign plans to get the whole of Lymm and visitors onboard to tackle the problem, help restore the village, its woodland and trails to a litter-free state – and keep it that way!
Organiser Chrissie Knight said: “Lymm, has been severely affected during the pandemic due to increased footfall as it’s a noted beauty spot. Unfortunately, budget cuts mean there are only three part time personnel in Lymm to litter-pick, and even with this resource and the wonderful efforts of 100 or so regular litter-picking volunteers, the battle against litter is being lost.
“The good news though is that people in Lymm have terrific community spirit and love for their environment. With this campaign, we hope to raise awareness of the seriousness and urgency of the problem and ask for their help.’
The Big Lymm Clean Up has three aims. The first is to encourage residents to use picker sticks (some will be available to take away at local outlets, plastic bags, strong gloves, hand sanitiser and possibly hi-vis – and go out and have a pick.
This doesn’t necessarily mean an excursion with a big sack for two hours. Organiser Fiona Barnett explains. ‘There are simpler, more ‘bite sized’ ways of tackling this, such as the ‘Two Minute Pick’ in your own garden and surrounding pavement, the ‘Five Minute Pick’ of 200 metres around your house or flat and finally, the ‘adding a bit more purpose to your walk’ pick for, say 45 minutes. You will be astonished at how much you will find, even in just a couple of minutes and surprised at how satisfied you will feel at seeing the results!’
The second aim of the Clean-Up is to spotlight the existing Lymm community groups and resources that people can join. This includes Lymm Litter Network – a Facebook group which the community uses to communicate litter hotspots and litter picking activities. Organiser Paul Connor is a champion of litter picking throughout Warrington. He explains that, “Lymm Litter Network is proving very popular due to the sheer convenience and sense of community that stems from coordinated solo picking! You can choose to ‘Adopt a Route’ via our interactive map, or simply pick wherever takes your fancy! It is proving to be a great alternative to group picks during these times of social distancing, and I expect it to grow still further into the future!”. Another key local group is Keep Lymm Kleen, which currently offers equipment for dedicated pickers and which intends to resume group picks as soon as lockdown eases.
Finally, the most challenging objective, which is to educate people to stop throwing litter in the first place and put it in the bin.
The campaign will last for the whole of 2021 and the focus for the first quarter will be on the benefit of a clean environment on our mental health and wellbeing.
Look out for posters and more information on social media, in the village and schools including poster competitions and ‘Picker of the Month’ awards with prizes.
And remember, next time you see a volunteer out collecting litter, don’t just smile and say ’thank you.’ Get yourself a stick and join in!
