Council clean-up project seeks volunteers

The scheme removed seven tonnes of waste from Castle Street in Grimsby last year

A clean-up scheme to help residents safely tidy neglected alleyways or open spaces will return to North East Lincolnshire.

Volunteers are wanted to take part in the Clear It project, which aims to tackle uncared-for areas that are not owned by the local authority.

Councillor Henry Hudson said when the scheme first launched in 2022 volunteers disposed of more than 48 tonnes of illegally dumped rubbish from problem areas. Last year, seven tonnes of waste were removed from Castle Street on the East Marsh estate in Grimsby.

Hudson added: "We'd like to see these types of spaces given a fresh start so they become vibrant places the community can enjoy and make better use of."

People who have an interest in clearing up a specific area can apply for the scheme from 1 November until the end of December, with work starting in the new year.

Volunteers will meet officers to assess a site and agree a date to carry out the work.

They will then help clear the site, with the council providing equipment and disposing of the waste.

Councillor Ron Shepherd, cabinet member for communities, said: "We sympathise with people whose lives are affected by mess left in their alleyways and want to do as much as we can to help them."

Listen to highlights from Lincolnshire on BBC Sounds, watch the latest episode of Look North or tell us about a story you think we should be covering here.

Download the BBC News app from the App Store for iPhone and iPad or Google Play for Android devices