Fermanagh and Omagh District Council take part in this years 'Big Spring Clean'

by Gráinne Connolly

Fermanagh and Omagh district council are encouraging local people to get involved in the 'Big Spring Clean up'. 

(Chairperson of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, Councillor Mary Garrity with Anthea Owens, Fermanagh and Omagh District Council Recycling Officer, and pupils from Arvalee School, Omagh, launching the BIG Spring Clean for the district).

Keep Northern Ireland Beautiful are organising local clean up projects across Northern Ireland looking for help from community groups, schools and individuals for the month of April. 

Between 2015-16, councils across Northern Ireland spent over £43 million on cleaning streets and open spaces. 

This has increased by 8% from the year before. 

During that period, Fermanagh and Omagh District Council spent £1.7 million on street cleaning and litter picking. 

A further £6,000 was spent on fly tipping. 

The council feel this is a financial burden to ratepayers and is money that could be spent on other facilities. 

Fermanagh and Omagh District Council would like the local people to participate and get involved in this year's Big Spring Clean up. 

They would be responsible for picking up litter, collecting rubbish after events and separating rubbish.

Litter pickers, hi vis vests and bags would be provided for those who get involved. As well as different coloured bags to separate the waste and recyclable materials. 

For anyone who would like to get involved in the project, you can contact Anthea Owens at the Fermanagh and Omagh District Council.

Phone: 0300 303 1777 or 

Email: anthea.owens@fermanaghomagh.com

Note from Fermanagh and Omagh District Council:

"PLEASE NOTE: it is the responsibility of individuals and groups that are participating in the event to ensure that all risk assessments and health and safety precautions are in place and are adhered to."