Blackpool News Support us in the fight against litter 10 June 2020 by Visit Blackpool Blackpool Council is launching a new campaign this week after growing concerns from residents about littering. Residents are being reassured that the council is urging both locals and visitors to dispose of their litter responsibly with the reminder that everyone has a part to play in keeping the resort clean. Posters with the caption “Don’t be a scruff, bin your stuff” will be installed in bus and tram shelters in central areas and the Promenade during the next few days. These are intended to encourage people to use the many litter bins available. If beachgoers see that the bins are full, then they are being reminded to take their rubbish to the next one or take it home with them. The anti-litter message emphasises that the ultimate responsibility lies with people, whether they live locally or come to visit the town to keep it clean and tidy. Blackpool has more than 800 litter bins across the borough including 250 large capacity litter bins on the Promenade alone. The litter bins are emptied daily under normal conditions and collections are increased in line with good weather and higher visitor numbers. The service operates daily from 6am to 6pm to ensure where possible litter bins have the capacity to accept litter after the staff have left the areas. Tannoy announcements are made throughout the day from service vehicles to encourage everyone to clear their litter there and then, and not simply wait until they leave the beach. The existing Keep Blackpool Tidy campaign encourages more residents, visitors and businesses to take pride in keeping the resort clean. Run between Blackpool Council and environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy, the campaign focuses on reducing litter in the streets and encouraging more people to take up community litter picks. Residents can volunteer to become a litter hero and help to make a difference to their local area. Whilst the scheduled Keep Blackpool Tidy litter pick events are currently on hold, community-spirited residents have still been doing their bit to help keep the town clean. The service has seen a recent spike in those registering to become Keep Blackpool tidy ambassadors over the last few months, with around 120 litter pick packs distributed over the last few weeks alone, with requests coming in daily. Cllr Jim Hobson, Blackpool Council Cabinet Member responsible for Climate Change and the Environment, said: “I know that residents feel very strongly about littering and dog fouling which is why we want to reassure them that visitors are being reminded to behave responsibly in terms of disposing of litter. “Keeping our beaches and streets free from litter is everyone’s responsibility – the more people stop dropping litter, the cleaner our streets and beaches will be. “We are very proud of the community spirit in Blackpool and the willingness to get involved and help the council to keep their local areas clean. “We have always encouraged local community litter picks and families to become Keep Blackpool Tidy ambassadors and we will resume events further down the line when it is safe to do so. “I would ask people to respect our beaches and open spaces and dispose of litter in the many bins available or take it home. There really is no excuse to leave it lying around. Please keep Blackpool tidy for everyone.” For more information on the campaign or to join our litter heroes, visit www.blackpool.gov.uk/KBT