The Big Clean Up Day saw over 40 people from different organisations remove rubbish, abandoned electrical goods and litter from the area.
Greatwell Homes led a ‘Big Clean Up’ day on Monday (3 April) in four fly-tip hotspots on the Hemmingwell estate; Fulmar Lane, Gannet Lane, Kestrel Lane and Nest Farm Crescent. We had 17 of our Greatwell Places operatives and eight caged vans clearing the rubbish, with each van being filled up roughly five times throughout the day.
The team collected 30 tonnes of rubbish on the day itself, with an additional 10 tonnes collected the day after due to the phenomenal amount of waste on the area.
We were supported by other local organisations including North Northamptonshire Council, Wellingborough LIVE team, The Wellie Wombles and GXO Logistics, many of whom picked litter from the green spaces.
Our Estates Services Manager, John Ross, said: “The overall aim of the day was to leave the area looking better than we found it.
“Fly-tipping is becoming a big issue for our estates and are health and safety risks for local residents. We have used this day to allow our customers to get rid of any rubbish or unwanted goods they have, with the hopes this reduces fly-tipping in the area going forward.
“From now on, we will be working closely with the North Northamptonshire Council to enforce action on anyone who fly-tips, not only in this area, but across all of our communities.”
The Waste Management Team at North Northamptonshire Council attended the day to educate residents on the impact fly-tipping can have, which carries a fine of up to £50,000 (or unlimited if the case goes to the Crown Court) or an offender can even be sent to prison.
Cllr Graham Lawman, North Northamptonshire Council’s Executive Member for Highways, Travel and Assets, said: “I am delighted that we were able to team up with Greatwell Homes, partners and residents to help tidy up the estate. I attended the event and everyone coming together was great to see. Spending the day picking up all the rubbish that had collected gives you a real appreciation of the unpleasant work that the crews do, so my thanks to them all.
“Events like this really do make such a big difference, as the figures show – 30 tonnes of rubbish in one day is a phenomenal amount!
“NNC are always keen to work with local residents and partners to make a difference to communities across the local area and I hope residents will notice how much tidier and cleaner the Hemingwell estate is looking.”
We encourage any customers and local residents who see flytip on our areas to report it to us immediately. Flytipping is illegal and we will be working closely with North Northamptonshire Council to enforce legal action on anyone that is caught illegally dumping their waste. There are many ways that you can dispose of your waste legally including local tips and you can find a list of these here.
This event supports our Live proud strategy where we commit to working with customers, communities and partners to shape places that people are proud to call home.