Handsworth Helping Hands

We are a small group who belief action is better than endless discussions on who why and what the litter in our community is about We meet every week to pick up litter for the benefit of all

We are a community-led litter picking group doing as many litter picks as we can to clean up Salford and to try educate people on how to report litter/fly tipping issues.

Currently most of the work is done by my Border Collie who collects crisp and other wrappers and plastic bottles. She then finds the nearest waste bin and puts the litter in it. She has been doing this for the past 5 years.

Parks & Green Areas 🌳 Play Areas 🤸🏽‍♀️ Along the River 🦆

This estate clean up was organised by Matt Evans, Housing Officer of the area, and involved staff from the local Office, and contractors. The clean up involved clearing communal areas inside the flats, garages and the outside area. Going forward, it is hoped that a Residents Association will be formed, that will carry out litter picks and maybe start up a weekly gardening club.

We hold a weekly Green Gym session where we litter pick and do low key enhancements to the nature area. Litter and fly tipping has been a major problem over the years but since we started the group over 6 years ago the site is a lot cleaner. Other users tend to pick as they go too.

Keeping area around Ashtead station clean

Formed to bring together those who are working to keep Mount Pleasant tidy. We hope to meet on a regular basis to target problem areas, whilst maintaining individual efforts to keep small areas tidy.

We are part of the Frampton Cotterell and Coalpit Heath Village Action initiative. We aim to co-ordinate the efforts of local people in promoting awareness of the problem of litter; improving attitudes; and taking part in monthly organised litter picking, with the aim of keeping our villages pleasant and pretty. We know that many residents look after the roadsides and paths adjacent to their own homes and wish to encourage this. Some of our members carry chalk to mark dog fouling on pavements, to help people avoid stepping in it and to tell irresponsible dog owners that they should be clearing up after their pet. Litter picking can be very rewarding, and is an opportunity to get out and make new contacts in the village. Please get in touch if you can help in any way, however small. Please email us if there is any particular area in the village over which you have concerns about litter. In 2012 Nisa - Village Roots in Woodend Road gave us some funds and we have bought some hi-viz vests with 'Volunteer - Village Action Litter Busters' printed on them. We are grateful for their continuing support. South Glos Council support us with sacks, picker sticks and bag hoops. See Upcoming Events for dates and meeting points for monthly litter picks. Please see our gallery below for some pictures of our members, including two younger litter busters!

We have an annual clean up in the village and mainly on the by-pass which seems to attract vast swathes of rubbish from passing motorists. This event occurs some time in April each year, notice via the Parish Meeting or notice board. We have litter grabbers, safety jackets and black bags!