Volunteers fight back against Walsall litterbugs and fly-tippers

Members of Walsall Council’s cabinet said they would continue to take strong action against environmental criminals, including seizing cars involved and crushing them.

But they also acknowledged the work carried out by people determined to fight back and keep their communities clean.

Their efforts have resulted in Walsall being awarded a Keep Britain Tidy ‘community engagement award’.

Councillor Oliver Butler, portfolio holder for clean and green, said the volunteering – coordinated by officers Beth Deeley and Richard Upton – has been so successful that they struggle to keep up with the full bags that need collecting each week.

At Wednesday’s meeting, volunteer litter picker and vice-chairman of the Birchills Agenda 21 group Shokt Fazal called on increased funding and recognition for the efforts.

He said: “We have gained a Keep Britain Tidy Community Engagement Award and this needs to be acknowledged and best practice transferred to council departments.”

Council leader Mike Bird said they were very proud of the award and praised Shokt and all volunteers.

He confirmed a bid has been submitted to the Big Lottery for funds to buy new equipment to expand the number of volunteer groups in the borough.

Councillor Butler said: “Without Beth and Richard, none of this would be possible. They’ve driven this project forward in terms of Walsall Community Litter watch.

Change

“And who would have thought Walsall would win a national Keep Britain Tidy award? For too long we have been a laughing stock that Walsall is dirty and no-one is doing anything about it.

“Well, things are starting to change. This year, we’ve signed up 169 new volunteers, 400 bags were picked on Shine A Light Sunday by 105 volunteers – that’s 2,500kg.

“Only last weekend, 129 bags were picked in Caldmore and Alumwell by a group of British Army soldiers who volunteered their time.

“We’ve got a few logistical problems at the moment with collecting the number of bags but that’s a nice problem to have. We might need more money for a bigger vehicle.

“And we’ve run out of equipment at the moment with more on order because of the number of volunteers coming through.

“This is a great example of resilient communities. It’s about the volunteers, the boots on the ground, making a difference and driving it through. Of course we are going to continue to support this.”

Councillor Garry Perry, deputy leader for resilient communities, said: “Our volunteers continue to be exceptional in every way shape or form.

“On the flip-side is enforcement and the more we can do to catch the criminals the better this borough will be.

“We have had some success in seizing vehicles. Once it’s gone through the legal process, we are able then to either sell those vehicles on or crush them.

“Let that be one of our strongest messages: We will if we catch you we will not hesitate crushing and seizing vehicles.

“There’s more work to be done and it remains a priority. Of course, we’re also issuing the fixed penalty notices.”

Councillor Bird added: “The message is clear, we are going find you, then fine you and then we will take your vehicles and crush them. This is an environmental crime that we are not prepared to tolerate.”