Free litter pickers offered as a push to tidy Ipswich streets
Ipswich residents are being urged to make use of free litter-picking equipment, as a new campaign works to reduce rubbish on the town's streets and highlight local businesses already taking steps to cut down on litter.
Why it matters: Litter-ally Ipswich says 318 tonnes of litter were collected from the town's streets in 2022/23, and is urging more people to use existing council services designed to keep the streets clean.
The details: The group, launched as part of Ipswich MP Jack Abbott's 2026 Summer School, is raising awareness of council schemes including the free hire of litter-picking equipment and online tools for reporting littering and flytipping.
Ipswich Borough Council has separately approved £400,000 of investment over two years for a new Neighbourhood Cleansing Team, which will focus on hotspot areas across the borough.
Litter-ally Ipswich has also been visiting independent businesses across the town, many of which have agreed to display posters celebrating their sustainable practices, with the aim of encouraging others to follow suit.
What they're saying: Oliver Till, from the Litter-ally Ipswich team, said: "It is clear that many people in our town feel there is too much rubbish on our streets. We want to encourage the people and businesses of our community to help tidy our town. It is clear we need to rally people together as we Ip-switch up our habits."
Ipswich MP Jack Abbott said: "Littering in the town centre is an issue that regularly comes up when talking to local residents. It is really encouraging to see this group inject some new energy into working with individuals, businesses, and the council, and raising awareness of what needs to be done to deal with this issue in the town."
Stefan Long, Ipswich Borough Council's Environment and Sport Portfolio Holder, said the £400,000 investment in a new Neighbourhood Cleansing Team was "a major step forward in improving the appearance of streets and public spaces across Ipswich."
He added: "This dedicated team will focus on hot spot areas, tackling litter, weeds, and recurring issues. This is to ensure we have cleaner, safer and more welcoming neighbourhoods for residents, businesses and visitors.
"People consistently tell us that keeping Ipswich clean and tidy matters to them. We've listened, and this investment shows our commitment to delivering a town we can all be proud of."
The bottom line: Litter-ally Ipswich hopes its work with residents, businesses and the council will leave a lasting impact on the town's streets, as the borough council rolls out new investment to tackle litter hotspots.
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