Campaign continues to reward green residents

Maureen Gray (right) with Rebecca Wilson, of Groundwork

A pledge made with the environment in mind has paid off in a big way for two green-fingered North Tyneside residents.

As part of the council’s ‘Changing Our Thinking’ campaign, which provides rewards and incentives to encourage people to recycle, two residents have won high street shopping vouchers worth £100 each.

This comes after they made, and stuck to, their pledge to wash, squash and recycle.

One of this month’s winners was Maureen Gray, of North Shields, who decided to spend her winnings on a new TV for her grandchildren.

Delighted with her win, Maureen said: “I was over the moon to get such a lovely reward. I thought my husband was joking when he said I had won a prize. I felt really lucky and privileged to win such a great prize for doing something I do everyday”.

Cllr John Stirling, cabinet member with responsibility for the Environment, added: “I’m very happy for Maureen and our other winners and would like to thank everyone for making their pledge to wash, squash and recycle.

“It’s been amazing to see the success of the ‘Changing Our Thinking’ campaign and how many people have committed to recycling more in their day-to-day lives.

“I’d encourage anyone who hasn’t been along to an event yet to take advantage of the opportunity and find out more.”

North Tyneside Council will continue to run roadshows throughout the year, with the next opportunity taking place at its Quadrant HQ at Cobalt Business Park, on May 17.

For more information about future roadshows and details of the campaign, search for ‘Wash, Squash and Recycle’ at www.northtyneside.gov.uk.

Notes to editors:

The campaign is being delivered by North Tyneside Council in partnership with Groundwork North East, an environmental regeneration charity.

It is funded by the Department of Communities and Local Government's Weekly Collection Support Scheme.

The weekly and monthly prize winners were picked at random.

ENDS