The work of selfless volunteers who have kept County Durham communities blooming
during the coronavirus pandemic is to be celebrated.
Individuals and groups are being encouraged to share their stories and pictures of
environmental improvements, such as litter picking or planting, in the areas where they live
that they have undertaken in the past year.
From Monday 17 May, litter picking groups are able to incorporate 30 volunteers at one
time and Durham County Council’s Civic Pride service is able to support litter picking
groups with the short-term loan of equipment.
The service is also looking to celebrate the work of younger litter pickers, with schools
invited to nominate a child, group or class for the Tidy Ted Award, which is named after
the council’s anti-litter mascot.
As well as litter picking, children can be nominated for any environmental achievements
and gardening club projects they may have undertaken during the pandemic and the
winning entry will receive a Tidy Ted certificate and gold badge for their efforts. Schools
are also being asked to ‘adopt’ an area to keep litter free and can borrow litter picking
equipment from the Civic Pride service.
The Sedgefield in Bloom group is one organisation which has made a positive difference
to its area. Volunteers have provided colourful troughs of spring and summer flowers, towers of hanging baskets and spruced up the ever-popular Bloom Bike, which is now
tumbling with plants on the village green.
Norma Neal, Sedgefield in Bloom secretary, sponsorship and publicity officer, said:
“During lockdown and particularly as restrictions have begun to ease, the village has
retained its brilliant community spirit. Colourful tubs, borders and beds can’t fail to lift the
spirits.”
The West Auckland in Bloom group meanwhile has carried out various improvements,
including helping to brighten up the pathway to the area’s local primary school. Group
members also created Christmas and Easter displays.
Ian Hoult, Durham County Council’s neighbourhood protection manager, said: “Well done
to everyone who has gone the extra mile to keep their area looking great during the
coronavirus pandemic. Your actions are greatly appreciated by everyone in the
community.
“We look forward to hearing more stories about groups which have given up their time to
take pride in our communities and would remind people that we can help with the loan of
equipment to carry out this work.”
To register interest in borrowing litter picking equipment for a group litter pick or to submit
a story, email litterfreedurham@durham.gov.uk
For more on the council’s Civic Pride service go to www.durham.gov.uk/civicpride