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29.
September
2021.
New initiative to support town's green champions

 

News 

Release

 

Media information from Middlesbrough Council

Press and Public Relations Office (01642) 729502/3

 

NEW INITIATIVE TO SUPPORT TOWN'S GREEN CHAMPIONS

A scheme is being launched to help Middlesbrough's growing number of community-minded litter pickers.

As part of a wide range of green initiatives currently being pursued in the town, Middlesbrough Council's Executive is putting forward proposals to provide equipment and support for voluntary initiatives.

A report being put to the committee asks that the Executive approve a spend of £150,000 (£50,000 per year over three years) to provide support to ensure Community Groups and Volunteers have the right training, guidance and equipment to safely carry out their activities.

The report states: "Community groups and volunteers provide important additional environmental support to the council's services and are increasingly valued.

"Their work is integral to keeping Middlesbrough's environment to a good standard and further encouraging community participation. This is especially important as Middlesbrough moves forward on its green agenda, striving to reaching carbon neutrality and increasing the level of bio diversity of the town.

"Supporting community involvement and engaging with them in the wide reaching environmental initiatives, is fundamental to enhance and to continue the great work that they do.

"The supportive approach is leading to a growing numbers of volunteers, who are now networking with each other, leading to far reaching linked projects across the town.

"As well as promoting the groups projects/initiatives via social media, we can offer resource assistance by way of purchasing and holding a stock of consumable supplies so that these groups can readily access tools, equipment and technical support to deliver initiatives which are of benefit to the environment, improving aesthetics and the well-being of residents."

Cllr Barrie Cooper, Middlesbrough Council's Executive Member for Environment, Finance and Governance, said: "In Middlesbrough we have large groups of incredibly committed volunteers who give up their time freely to make the town a better place for all of us.

"This scheme will further empower our existing volunteer network and encourage others to get involved knowing that the council both appreciates and will support their community-minded spirit."

The authority has been encouraging residents to support the work of community groups via the Keep Boro Tidy campaign. Find out more at www.middlesbrough.gov.uk/keepborotidy

ENDS

Press Notice 6661. 29/09/21

Issued by Andrew Pain, Senior Communications Officer on 01642 729503.

www.middlesbrough.gov.uk

Follow Middlesbrough Council on Twitter: @MbroCouncil