An annual campaign to keep North Tyneside spick and span returns to the borough this week.
Back for the 11th consecutive year, North Tyneside Council’s Autumn Campaign runs from now until December 8 and aims to make the area an even cleaner and safer place to live, work and visit.
Extra sweeping vehicles have been introduced to reduce the amount fallen leaves and litter found on the borough’s streets.
And schools, community groups, businesses and residents are being encouraged to organise clean-up events to support the initiative.
The council will also continue with its enforcement work, taking a strict approach to anyone caught littering or not picking up after their dog.
Cllr Carl Johnson, cabinet member for the Environment, said: “We work extremely hard to maintain the high environmental standards found across North Tyneside, and campaigns like this one help us to do so.
“Last year the Autumn Campaign saw tonnes of leaves and litter removed from the borough’s streets, which was recycled wherever possible, and this wouldn’t have been possible without the brilliant support we received from the public. I’d really encourage anyone who can lend a hand this year to get in touch with our teams.
As part of the campaign, the council have joined forces with Northumbria Police and the Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service to help keep the borough safe from illegal bonfires.
In the run up to November 5, North Tyneside Council will be removing illegal bonfire material from the borough’s streets and cracking down on anti-social behaviour.
Together they will respond to reports of unauthorised bonfires built on public land as well as visiting areas where they have previously been built. The council will also deliver letters to households in known hotspot areas.
Ahead of the initiative, Cllr Johnson added: “This is a really important part of the initiative and will include removing any illegal bonfire material from the streets, helping to prevent any fires and therefore any potential damage or injury.
“We want to ensure that everyone enjoys a safe Bonfire Night, so we’d encourage everyone to attend one of the many organised displays in North Tyneside.
Neighbourhood Beat Manager for Whitley Bay, PC Paul McKenzie, said:“We are committed to tackling crime and anti-social behaviour and this is an excellent example of partners working together to help protect those most vulnerable in our communities.
“The crime and anti-social behaviour of a minority can cause misery for many of our residents, and we will continue to carry out patrols in affected areas to offer a visible deterrent.
“Our local residents should not have to put up with the crime and anti-social behaviour of a few individuals, and I would urge members of the public who are concerned about anti-social behaviour in their area to speak to a nearby officer or contact police.
“By working together with partners and local residents, we can effectively tackle these issues.”
Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service, Area Manager – Community Safety, Lynsey McVay said: “We want you, your family and friends to have a fun and safe time on Bonfire Night and the easiest way to do this is to attend organised events and displays.
“People who start fires themselves are not only putting themselves at risk, but as we only have finite resources, our service could be seriously challenged if we have to respond to deliberate fires at the same time as a life-saving incident.”
Residents are encouraged to attend one of the organised displays taking place in the borough, which include:
- North Tyneside Fireworks: The Links, Whitley Bay, Sunday 4 November, from 6pm.
- Segedunum Fireworks: Segedunum Roman Fort, Wallsend, Thursday 1 November, fireworks from 6.30pm, doors open at 4pm.
- Tynemouth Cricket Club: Percy Park, North Shields, Saturday 3 November, from 5pm.
- Blue Flames Sporting Club, Whitley Road, Benton, Monday 5 November, from 7pm, gates open at 5pm.
To report an illegal bonfire, call the council on 0345 2000 103 or the police 101 number.
To arrange a clean-up event in your area, call 0345 2000 103 or email loveyourstreet@northtyneside.gov.uk. The council will provide litter picks and take away any rubbish collected.
ENDS