COMMUNITIES across the district are being urged to make a clean sweep.

Bradford Council is spearheading an initiative aimed at bringing together groups, neighbourhoods and businesses to improve the environment.

Litter in streets, parks and other public areas will be targeted.

The Great Bradford Spring Clean is being staged as part of a national campaign, which will run until April 24, organised by the Keep Britain Tidy Group.

A council spokesman said: “Residents are invited to join us as we prepare to stand together and show that litter pollution – including single-use plastic, which degrades our environment and threatens to harm wildlife – is unacceptable.

“We are asking residents to get together a group of people to litter pick and clean-up any area they wish.

“We’ll be able to support them by providing bags, gloves and litter pickers and will collect the waste at a given location chosen by the volunteers. We just need to know where and when.

“As part of the clean-up we will also provide specific bags for anyone wanting to keep the plastic bottles they pick separate so that we can ensure they are easily recycled.”

Area co-ordinators’ offices are contacting groups about the venture, and social media and newsletters are being used to encourage residents to get involved.

Keighley people interested in taking part can contact the town’s office on 01535 618080. Residents in the Shipley area should call 01274 437146.

Councillor Sarah Ferriby, the council’s executive member for healthy people and places, welcomes the scheme and hopes communities will come forward.

“We all share the miserable experience of seeing litter and fly-tipping on the streets and other public places so we are asking community-minded people to help us to try and clear them up,” she added.

“The council does not have the finances to employ a vast army of street cleaners to run around after everyone who dumps litter in our district, so we need volunteers to give us a hand.

“I hope as many people as possible will come forward to take part.

“Many people spring clean inside the home but we are hoping they can find the time to make a difference outside as well.

“By working together, we can make a big difference.”

* If you hold a litter pick, e-mail some details and a photo to alistair.shand@keighleynews.co.uk.