RESIDENTS in Wiltshire are being encouraged to join in one of more than 140 litter picks across the county.

Following last year’s success of Clean for the Queen event, in which Wiltshire was second only to London in the amount of litter collected, Keep Britain Tidy is launching the Great British Spring Clean.

More than 1,400 people collected 14 tonnes of rubbish in more than 70 litter picks in Wiltshire last year.

This year promises to be even bigger, with 146 events arranged so far and thousands of volunteers poised to take part across the county.

Wiltshire Council is supporting communities by helping them register their events on the Great British Spring Clean website for the weekend of March 3, 4 and 5.

The council will also provide litter picking equipment if required and arrange a one-off collection following the events.

Baroness Scott of Bybrook, OBE, Leader of Wiltshire Council said: “We had a tremendous response from communities across Wiltshire last year and this year’s Great British Spring Clean is shaping up to be even better.

“The fantastic participation in these community events demonstrates how Wiltshire comes together and makes a real difference.

“Wiltshire is a beautiful county but we need to encourage everybody to respect our county and keep it clean.

“We currently spend around £2.5 million a year picking up litter – this money could be better allocated on vital services.”

To find out more about a local litter picking event, visit greatbritishspringclean.org.uk/home/2684

Groups wishing to get involved can visit wiltshire.gov.uk/council-democracy-spring-clean for details on contacting the local community engagement manager and preparations for the event.