COMMUNITIES across the Yorkshire Dales district of Hambleton are being called upon to join together and take part in the country’s biggest ever spring clean!

Keep Britain Tidy group, ENCAMS launches its 2009 campaign later this month (March 24) and is looking for as many people as possible to arrange ‘tidy ups’ to create England’s biggest ever spring clean!

And Hambleton District Council’s Street Scene Team is calling on individuals, schools, community groups and volunteers to take part by helping clean up their corner of the community.

Litter picking equipment will be provided by the district council through the Hambleton Community Safety Partnership's ‘Don’t Mess with Us!’ initiative. Gloves, fluorescent vests, litter tongs and bags can be borrowed – and all amassed waste will be collected.

“Many litter picking groups have already been established in Hambleton - by WI’s, village groups and local schools,” said Hambleton’s Street Scene Manager, John Proud.

“Areas previously blighted by litter have been greatly improved. But we want to see communities all over the district establishing litter picking teams to undertake regular clean-ups.

“Anyone who knows of any groups - especially village based – that would be interested in taking part please let them know. Taking part in a tidy up can be used to work towards a variety of badges for brownies, scouts, guides and beavers.”

Anyone wanting to register for the ‘Big Tidy Up’ should visit www.thebigtidyup.org for further details. To set up a community litter pick contact John Proud on streets@hambleton.gov.uk or 0845 1211 555.