Washington woman using her daily exercise to keep Sunderland tidy as lockdown sees surge in dumping

Becky Swindlles, 36, has made it her mission to keep Washington tidy, and is finding she is taking on her biggest challenge yet as fly-tipping increases due to tips being forced to close.

Becky, who is a carer for her mother, found a passion for litter-picking two years ago and wants to continue to support the community during lockdown by keeping up her work.

Becky is doing her bit by making sure the streets are clean for people going on their daily walks and exercise during lockdown, but has seen a huge increase in people fly tipping and dumping rubbish.

She said: “I have been continuing my work to keep Washington tidy when the family does our daily walk. I have found residents have been having clearouts during the lockdown and many have kept it on their premises but I have seen an increase of flytipping in all areas.

READ MORE: Sunderland City Council seize a vehicle in Ryhope after suspecting it was involved in fly tipping

“During this lockdown, many are isolating and I just thought me still getting out there is just helping them just a little. Things need to be kept normal as possible, residents don't want to see litter or fly-tipping whilst they do their daily exercise.”

Sunderland City Council recently warned flytippers they will still be prosecuted during the coronavirus crisis.

Despite the increase, Becky has vowed to continue her work and do as much as she can to keep Washington tidy for others.

Council’s across the country have seen an upswing in fly-tipping since the beginning of the coronavirus crisis, but authorities have also issue strong warnings that culprits will be tracked down and punished.

Sunderland City Council has prosecuted a number of offenders in recent months, ranging from illegal dumpers to people who drop litter.

It comes as the Sunderland Echo continues to run its Clean Streets campaign, aimed at making the city a cleaner, greener place.

We’re encouraging people to report dumping and help keep their communities tidy.

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