North East Lincolnshire Council has teamed up with local volunteer group Canoe River Cleaner to boost efforts in keeping the borough’s public spaces tidy. The partnership will see volunteer-led clean-ups running alongside the Council’s Deep Clean Project, which focuses on litter removal and street maintenance across six key wards.
James Elliott, who began cleaning the River Freshney and surrounding areas during the pandemic, now leads a team of volunteers working with the Council’s Street Cleansing division. Together, they’re expanding their efforts to include community litter picks and educational sessions in local schools aimed at encouraging environmental awareness and civic pride.
The initiative recently kicked off with a litter pick in Sidney Sussex Park and nearby streets, where volunteers collected cans, glass bottles, and food packaging. With funding support from the Council, more events are planned over the coming months, blending education with hands-on action to inspire residents to take part in maintaining cleaner, greener neighbourhoods.
The collaboration marks a step towards more coordinated community engagement, reinforcing the idea that environmental responsibility is shared between public services and local people.
Image credit: North East Lincolnshire Council
