A community-led campaign to encourage businesses to keep Warrington’s shopping streets clean and tidy has officially been launched, with nine businesses signing up within its first 24 hours.
The “Warrington’s Litter Heroes” window sticker scheme aims to encourage businesses to take greater pride in the appearance of their premises and the surrounding streets.
The initiative was originally proposed by Dr Tony Dixon, who discussed the idea with Cllr Mo Hussain, who subsequently agreed to spearhead the project.
Cllr Hussain had hoped to launch the scheme during his mayoral year, but it failed to materialise at the time.
Now, alongside the current Mayor of Warrington, Cllr Sageer Zaman, the long-awaited initiative has finally become a reality.
They were joined at the launch by Dr Dixon and Bob Towers, a volunteer who has played a key role in getting the scheme off the ground.
The initiative is being led by Warrington Litter Volunteers, recipients of the prestigious King’s Award for Voluntary Service, with support from Warrington Borough Council.
How the scheme works
The scheme is voluntary, with participating businesses displaying a bright green “Warrington’s Litter Heroes” sticker in their windows.
In return, businesses make a pledge to keep the front and rear of their premises tidy and take pride in the surrounding area.
There are no contracts, fines or enforcement measures attached to the scheme. Instead, it relies on businesses taking responsibility for their immediate surroundings and working collectively to improve the appearance of the town.
The campaign’s organisers believe even small individual efforts can make a noticeable difference to the look and feel of Warrington’s shopping streets.
Warrington Irish Club
The initial response has been encouraging, with nine businesses and organisations joining within the first 24 hours of the launch.
They are:
– Warrington Irish Club
– Tax Assists Accountants
– AD Car Spares
– Cat Rescue
– Express Coffee
– Co-op
– William Hill
– Class Fade Barbers
– Best One Mini Market
Class Fade barbers
Cllr Hussain said: “This is something Dr Tony Dixon and I spoke about some time back. I was keen to lead it during my mayoral year, but it wasn’t the right time then.
“I’m so pleased we’ve got it off the ground now. It’s about businesses taking ownership, saying, ‘This is our street, and we want it to shine.’”
Mayor Cllr Zaman added: “This is community spirit in action. It’s wonderful to see it finally launched and to see businesses embracing it so warmly.”
Volunteers hope to recruit more businesses
Mr Towers, who has helped drive the project forward, said volunteers were already making a difference across the town several days a week.
He said: “Our volunteers are out several days each week, making a difference. This scheme gives local businesses a simple, positive way to join us and, together, we’ll make Warrington cleaner and prouder.
“Through this scheme, we’re keen to generate greater levels of pride in our shopfronts, pride in our neighbourhoods and communities, and ultimately, pride in our town.
“This is about everyone playing their part. A small commitment from a business can make a real difference to the look and feel of an entire street.”
Dr Dixon, a Keep Britain Tidy ambassador, said the initiative had grown from an idea shared between friends into a community project.
He added: “From an idea between friends to a real community movement, this shows what we can do when we work together. Every sticker is a statement that we care.”
Volunteers will be visiting further businesses across Warrington over the coming month to encourage them to join the scheme.
Businesses wishing to take part are being invited to come forward and collect a sticker.
The organisers hope the initiative will help foster greater pride in shopfronts and neighbourhoods, encouraging businesses and residents to work together towards cleaner and more welcoming streets across Warrington.
