New scheme aimed at making Stratford spotless

MAKING Stratford spotless is the aim behind a new community clean-up operation.

Stratford Cleanup already has the support of residents, schools and businesses across the town and organisers want everyone to get stuck in to get Stratford looking spick and span.

Stratford Town Council has launched the scheme in a bid to get people to take pride in the town and arrange cleanup operations such as litter picks and canal cleanups throughout March.

The town council have provided funding for the scheme and Stratford District Council has agreed to provide blue bags for rubbish which will be collected from designated places in the town.

The scheme is being run primarily online via a Facebook group - Stratford Cleanup - where anyone can join and let organisers know they want to take part.

Stratford Cleanup chairman, councillor Clive Thomas, urged people to take pride in the town this week along with deputy chair, councillor Jenny Fradgley, and Stratforward BID director, Chris Gregory, who is helping to co-ordinate the scheme.

He said: "It's time for people to take pride in their town and get involved with this scheme.

"Stratford is already a clean town but we can do even better - there's no reason why we can't have it spotless if we want to.

"The support we have already received is very encouraging, we already have schools, businesses and residents onboard and we have support from the Environment Agency and other organisations.

"Some cleanups have already taken place and we want this to take off even more. Where there are trouble spots we'd like people to let us know and do something about it.

"It isn't just about litter, its cleaning up the canals, getting gum off the streets, getting rid of labels on lamp posts.

"What we are saying is get involved and help to make Stratford spotless.

"It is a big year for the town in terms of events like the World Shakespeare Festival so we want it to look as good as we can get it."

Some events have already taken place to clean up known trouble spots, and Chris Gregory is leading a big event to blitz the town on March 25 and is looking for volunteers to take part.

For more information or to get involved visit the Stratford Cleanup page on Facebook or contact Chris Gregory at chris@stratforward.co.uk or on 01789 292718.