MORE than 250 Malvern residents and businesses have signed up to a council scheme to take on litter louts across the district.

Malvern Hills District Council's Adopt a Street Scheme sees residents, community groups, businesses and other groups choose a section of street or public land and pledge to litterpick there on a regular basis.

The national event, organised by Keep Britain Tidy, replaces the usual Great British Spring Clean, which had to be cancelled this year due to coronavirus.

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The council is now encouraging more people across the district to sign up ahead of the event, which runs from September 11 to 27 as well as sharing and tagging the council on social media with their litterpicking efforts.

Cllr John Raine, portfolio holder for environmental services at Malvern Hills District Council, said: “It is wonderful to see such a positive response to the Adopt a Street scheme.

"Our aim is to work together with our volunteer litter pickers to help make our district a cleaner and tidier place to live.

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"We are encouraging more people to get involved ahead of the Great British September Clean and set a positive example of good citizenship and care for our environment.

"Hopefully clean streets will act as a deterrent against further littering."

Due to the coronavirus crisis and the risk of spreading the virus, MHDC will not be loaning out litter picking kit to community groups as they have done in previous years.

People are instead encouraged to sign up for the Adopt a Street scheme.

Visit www.malvernhills.gov.uk/community/adopt-a-street to sign up.