Don’t take your rubbish to the tip
TODAY the Gloucestershire Echo, together with sister newspaper the Gloucester Citizen and website Gloucestershire Live, is launching Keep Gloucestershire Glorious: The Big Summer Clean.
Gloucestershire is one of the most beautiful counties in the country.
From the rolling hills of the Cotswolds to the dappled trails of the Forest of Dean and the sweeping vistas of the Severn Vale, Gloucestershire is picture postcard perfect.
But a handful of people can spoil our stunning countryside for the many – by leaving litter in local parks, hanging dog poo bags on hedges or daubing graffiti on children’s playgrounds.
On Saturdays in August, we want to clean up Gloucestershire’s neglected and ignored public open spaces.
We will be armed with rubbish bags (and refreshments for volunteers), all we need to know is where do you want us to clean?
Where are piles of litter spoiling your park?
Where do dog walkers fear to tread? Where do parents want to take children to play but can’t because of broken glass or drug paraphernalia?
We are looking for five locations across the county where we will host a Big Summer Clean on August 3, 10, 17, 24 and 31.
To nominate a location for some love, fill in the form at gloucestershirelive. co.uk.
All of the nominated sites will be put to a public vote on Gloucestershirelive with the winning locations revealed on July 1.
So to give your favourite spot some much-needed attention all you have to do is nominate, vote and join us on the day if you are the winner.
Rachael Sugden, senior editor for Reach plc’s Gloucestershire titles, said: “We are very proud to launch Keep Gloucestershire Glorious: The Big Summer Clean campaign.
“Our newsroom is inundated with letters, emails and messages via social media about grot spots across the county.
“Locals are so frustrated the places they love are spoiled by the selfish, thoughtless few.”
She continued: “In August, when we all should be able to be outside (weather permitting), we want to make sure your favourite places are safe and pleasant for families and friends to spend time together.
“Local councils are doing all they can with the funds they have – this is not a criticism of the authorities.
“This is about getting local communities to come together in their favourite public open spaces and make them a place they can be proud of – to use and enjoy in the height of summer and beyond.
“People in Gloucestershire care a great deal about their home county – it is the few who spoil things for the many.
“We have written many stories about unsung local heroes who are already doing their bit to make our public spaces a nicer place to be.
“They have inspired us to launch the Big Summer Clean and help communities across Gloucestershire to reclaim their parks and dog-walking hot spots.”