SOMERSET residents are being encouraged to dispose of litter responsibly as part of the Great British Spring Clean 2022.

This years campaign takes place between March 25 and April 10, and Somerset West and Taunton Council (SWT) are encouraging people to take pride in their neighbourhoods.

SWT has said the district’s neighbourhoods, parks and public spaces have become very popular in recent years with more people choosing to exercise outdoors.

But despite the best efforts of SWT’s street cleansing team and those of countless volunteers, the increase in footfall has caused a spike in littering.

As well as the normal work carried out by the cleansing team, staff will also be tackling litter in locations across the district, targeting problem areas such as residential streets, highway verges and open spaces.

SWT is also encouraging members of the public to pick up after their dogs and dispose of litter responsibly.

The public is also encouraged to get involved by pledging to pick up litter in their local areas through the Great British Spring Clean’s #BigBagChallenge.

SWT is keen to support community groups or individuals wishing to take part through the loan of equipment and PPE, and any rubbish leftover can be removed and disposed of by prior arrangement.

Cllr Andy Sully, Executive Member for Environmental Services, said: “Last year’s spring clean was hugely successful.

"Between April and June 2021, we managed to fill a staggering three skips with litter collected by a team of three litter pickers visiting 60 open spaces and estates across Taunton, Wellington and West Somerset.

“We’re fully committed to supporting this year’s Great British Spring Clean and with a renewed sense of pride for our open spaces, we aim to raise local awareness and drive home the message that a tidy district benefits both our environment and our wellbeing.”

To find out more visit keepbritaintidy.org/get-involved/support-our-campaigns/great-british-spring-clean.