As an incentive to take part, participants in the clean-up received a meal at McDonalds and a certificate. Participants received a prize if they were part of the teams that collected the most litter. The certificates were professionally produced using full colour printing.
Preston, Lancaster and the surrounding areas are, like many other areas of the UK, prone to littering. Initiatives like this are happening up and down the country, encouraging communities and the young people living within them to take pride in and responsibility for the areas in which they live. By setting good examples, there’s a good chance this will continue.
By having people take part in area clean-ups, the area not only looks better in the short term but the participants may also be encouraged to think twice before littering in future. It is hoped that they may also positively influence their friends, families and peers with regards to littering.
Cath Elliot, a PSCO in the area, spoke about the clean-up initiative, saying:
"[It was] a great opportunity for people living in the Ryelands area to get to know other local people and to take pride in their community.
"I really want to thank all the organisations that have given in support in arranging this.”
The clean-up started in Ryelands Car Park and then progressed to cover Croasdale and the play area at Dee road.