Ipswich Central ‘Big Clean’ asks businesses to pledge further support

Monday, September 21 saw the beginning of The Big Clean, organised by Ipswich Central with support from Ipswich Borough Council. 

Volunteers from Ellisons Solicitors, Vivo Clean, Ipswich Central and Jason from Rubbish Walks picked more than 30 bags of rubbish from streets in the town centre on Monday morning, with a second comprehensive litter pick taking place on Thursday, September 24. 

From Tacket Street and Star Lane to Tavern Street and Lady Lane, two teams collected waste, rubbish, bottles and even discarded clothing, which was bagged and then collected by Ipswich Borough Council.

Later this week, businesses will be asked to pledge to maintain the standards set this week by keeping shopfronts and pavements outside their stores tidy to enhance the appearance of the town.

Lee Walker, chief executive of Ipswich Central joined volunteers on Monday morning, after the litter pick, he said: “When businesses this summer voted for another five years of Ipswich Central, this is what they voted for, actions not words. 

“Today saw two teams give up a few hours of their time to help see an immediate improvement by collecting litter from the streets and reporting bigger items of fly tipping to Ipswich Borough Council.

“It is the responsibility of all businesses, residents, property owners, and their employees to help shape the town. A huge thanks to all the volunteers who helped play their part.

“We know that a vast majority of businesses in Ipswich are proud of their streets and keep them clean and tidy, but those who don’t let the whole team down.

“Whilst Monday 21 September was a positive first step in taking more litter off our town centre streets, this must be the standard we expect upheld in our town, and Ipswich businesses should do their utmost to help maintain higher standards.”

Business in Ipswich can also arrange their own community litter pick by applying to use equipment from Ipswich Borough Council as part of the Love Your Street campaign at ipswichloveyourstreet.co.uk