Bedford Borough Council invites residents to join Rivercare Clean Up event
Bedford Borough Council is inviting all local residents to join a community Rivercare Clean Up event on Saturday 5 October, from 10am to 12pm.
“Our riverside is a cherished part of Bedford, and it’s our collective responsibility to keep it clean and vibrant, it was fantastic to see over 180 volunteers at the last Rivercare Clean Up.” says Councillor Jim Weir, Portfolio Holder for Environment at Bedford Borough Council. “While our teams work hard throughout the year to reduce litter across Bedford Borough, this annual event is a fantastic opportunity for people of all ages to come together, take pride in their local environment, and alongside the Environment Agency and local groups make a positive impact.”
The clean-up will begin in the area alongside the river near Town Bridge in St Mary’s Gardens. Volunteers will first be registered, given further instruction and then be tasked with litter picking along the riverside, with support from scuba divers in the water and kayakers clearing the banks. The Environment Agency will also be present to assist.
Here’s what you can expect at the event:
Getting involved is easy!
- Free litter picking equipment provided by Bedford Borough Council.
- Support from scuba divers, kayakers, and the Environment Agency.
- Refreshments provided by The John Bunyan Boat, moored in St Mary’s Gardens.
- A complimentary tea/Americano coffee for the first 50 volunteers who visit The Longholme on the day.
- 10% discount on sit-in lunch/brunch at The Longholme for volunteers who book ahead and mention the event in the booking notes, visit www.thelongholme.com to book.
- Free parking is available in Borough Hall Car Park for all participants.
Simply wear suitable clothing and sturdy boots and meet next to Bedford Town Bridge in St Mary’s Gardens on Saturday 5 October at 10am. You can find the location easily using What3Words: ///bowls.rushed.translated.
Children are welcome to join in but must be accompanied by a parent or carer at all times.
For more information or to inquire about volunteering, please contact Bedford Borough Council at volunteering@bedford.gov.uk.
Teams at Bedford Borough Council install, maintain and empty 1,800 litter, dog, layby and dual recycling bins throughout Bedford Borough and are regularly out clearing litter. Residents can support these teams by reporting a major litter problem, or an overflowing or damage street bin, at www.bedford.gov.uk/litter.
Bedford Borough Council also welcomes local groups who wish to organise their own Community Clean Ups, details of how to do this can be found at www.bedford.gov.uk/leisure-parks-and-sport/parks-and-open-spaces/get-involved/community-volunteering.
Let’s work together to keep Bedford’s riverside beautiful!
