Volunteers wanted to help with Sunderland seafront clean-up

Spring clean-ups in Fulwell and Roker will take place over the next week, and they are being supported by Sunderland City Council.

The authority is encouraging anyone interested in getting involved to join in the work.

On Saturday, those interested can meet at Roker Beach between 2pm and 4pm as part of the Keep Britain Tidy Great British Spring Clean-Up, which is using the hashtag #LitterHeroes.

And on Wednesday, March 28, between 10am and 1pm, more than 100 young people, including pupils from Monkwearmouth Academy, are going to be helping the Friends of Fulwell with a litter pick in Fulwell’s Cut Throat Dene.

Both events are open to everyone in the community and all are welcome.

The council’s North Area committee is supporting the clean-up events as one of its Raising Aspiration Projects.

Councillor Denny Wilson, chairman of the committee, said: “We all need to remind ourselves that we all have a duty of care to help keep our city clean and green.

“There’s too much litter blighting our city and, indeed, all of our region.

“Our work here is helping people to get outdoors, get active, and to get together and help with clearing litter.

“It’s as much about encouraging community and city pride as it is about cleaning up.

“Let’s remember that we can all make a difference if we all work together.”

Sunderland Community Action Group (SCAG) is a member of St Peter’s Youth & Community Partnership, which works with young people and families across St Peter’s and Sunderland North.

Richy Duggan, of SCAG, said: “By arranging the Roker beach clean-up we are all not only helping the local environment, but also highlighting the need to get young people and families involved in the future.”

Steve Wilkinson, executive headteacher at Monkwearmouth Academy, said: “The desire of Monkwearmouth Academy is to be at the heart of the community, working in partnership for the collective greater good.

“This is a fantastic opportunity to support our local residents and show that we mean business and take responsibility for litter.”

Those wanting to help with the clean-up in Roker should call 0191 556 1047 or for more information email [email protected]

For Fulwell, email [email protected] to find out more.

The Echo launched its Clean Streets campaign at the start of this year, calling on all Wearsiders to be more responsible for their personal rubbish.

Anyone who sees items they think have been fly-tipped on a street or green space can contact Sunderland City Council to arrange its removal either by reporting it online at sunderland.gov.uk or by calling 0191 520 5550.