Stoke-on-Trent City Council to mark World Clean Up Day as #LoveSOT campaign continues

Over the past 100 days teams across Stoke-on-Trent City Council have been tackling illegal dumping in towns across the city and taking a zero-tolerance approach.

Stoke-on-Trent City Council to mark World Clean Up Day as #LoveSOT campaign continues

Communities are being urged to pledge their support to tackling fly tipping and love Stoke-on-Trent.

Over the past 100 days teams across Stoke-on-Trent City Council have been tackling illegal dumping in towns across the city and taking a zero-tolerance approach. Over 1700 incidents of illegal dumped rubbish have now been cleared and more than 425 fixed penalty notices issued.

Over the next fortnight (Monday, September 11 to Friday, September 22) the city council is calling on local businesses, residents and community groups to pledge their support in helping keep Stoke-on-Trent clean.

Cllr Amjid Wazir, cabinet member for environment and enforcement said: “While we will continue to keep the streets clear of illegal dumping and find and fine those who blight our streets, we can’t do it all. So, I appeal to you, our passionate residents who actively tell us what is wrong with the city, to help us take action. Those who are able, pick up a bin bag and help love where you live.

“My fellow ward councillors and I will be hosting litter picks within our communities. We want businesses and community groups to do the same. Pledge your support and give back.”

So far local organisations such as Middleport Matters, football clubs Port Vale and Stoke City and businesses Epic Housing and Simarco International have all pledged their support.

Vicki Gwynne, Operations Manager at Middleport Matters Community Trust said: “I started work in Middleport in late 2019, and absolutely love the residents, the green space, and the heritage that’s included in the neighbourhood – I want to help reduce the things that cause concern to people who live here (fly-tipping, litter, feeling unsafe) and empower people to influence decisions and take ownership of the assets here.

“Community involvement is essential as when residents get together with a common goal, communities can be transformed! Involvement enables decision-making, encourages pride in where you live, and provides positive connections.”

To mark World Clean Up Day on September 16, the city council will also be hosting a community clean up event at Hanley Park, 11am to 1pm. This, we hope will act as an example for the simple acts’ residents can undertake near to where they live, or a local spot they love.   Internationally recognised World Clean Up Day unites millions of volunteers, governments and organizations, in 197 countries and territories, to tackle the global mismanaged waste crisis and to help create a new, more sustainable world. Residents are invited to join the Friends of Hanley Park, with a community tidy-up and they will get the chance to speak the council’s environment teams on matter such as recycling and waste collections.

Residents who are interested in joining or creating any community litter picks should visit www.stoke.gov.uk/lovesot for more information.

The council is also encouraging people to share the campaign by tagging them in clean-up events, and using the hashtag #LoveSOT on social media.