A Birmingham community group is calling on people to take pride in their city and help keep it clean.
The Friends of Bradford Street group was set up in August 2022 with volunteers regularly meeting for litter picking events in Digbeth.
The organisation’s founder, Shane, said it is important everyone plays their part on tackling the issue.
“One definite source of litter is fly-tipping and waste management,” he said.
“People just leave bags on the street and the rats or seagulls will open the bags and then the wind blows – before you know it the litter is gone.
“I am really sympathetic about the situation the council is in, this is why I am trying not to ask much of the council, just things that we can’t do ourselves.
“I’ve asked for help in contacting the companies involved to try and get them to look after their waste better, hopefully they would help with that.”
A member of the group said it is upsetting to see the litter on the streets of Birmingham.
“There are lots of bins in and around Digbeth, yet people continue to throw rubbish along the lovely new public realm along Digbeth High Street.
“After all, rubbish follows rubbish – please take your litter with you, we don’t want it.
“We filled a total of 159 bags last year, doing our bit to improve the streets of Digbeth.”
Shane said that as well as keeping the area clean, the litter picking events were a great opportunity for neighbours to get to know each other.
He said: “Usually after clean up we all go for a drink at a local pub.
“There’s a whole mixture of people who come – students, people from 20 to 60, and even one lady comes with her grandson, who’s about eight.”
Other Birmingham communities, local pubs and the city council have contributed to the group.
Shane said: “I am grateful to so many people. We wouldn’t have set up the group if it wasn’t for their help.
“It’s about having pride in your neighbourhood and seeking clean, respectable-looking streets.”
The Friends of Bradford Street is inviting people to join them at their next litter pick event at 11am on Saturday (17th February).
For more details follow @Bradford_St_Bhm on X or email info@bradfordst.com.
