Litter pickers in North West Leicestershire can now sign up to a new scheme to help tackle littering thanks to funding for new equipment.

North West Leicestershire District Council has taken its latest step in reducing litter across the district by announcing £15,000 in funding for its volunteer litter picking scheme.

The scheme has been announced as one part of district council's two-year Zero Litter Challenge campaign which aims to tackle the area's litter problems including littering, fly-tipping and dog fouling.

It is an idea that was discussed by Ashby de la Zouch Town Council in March Ashby Town Council pushes for 'Womble Hub' to aid litter pickers.

During the coronavirus pandemic, the council has seen an increase in residents taking up the activity in a bid to make use of their time and make the district a cleaner and tidier place to be.

Volunteer numbers rose from around 120 to approximately 360 in just 12 months.

The funding will be used to meet this demand by providing new and improved kit and assistance, including:

• Hi-visibility vests
• Litter pickers
• Collection bags
• Arranged collections for full bags
• Advice and guidance about how to safely pick litter.

Parish and town councils will each be allocated funding for the new litter picking equipment and volunteers can apply for the kit by contacting them directly.

Residents who live in areas without parish councils such as Coalville, Greenhill, Thringstone and Bardon can register as a volunteer and receive equipment through the district council website HERE.

All picked litter can be collected by the council – volunteers just need to register a day for rubbish bags to be collected online HERE.

Individuals and groups are encouraged to look at the council's guidance to keeping safe before heading out to do a litter pick in the district by visiting HERE.

Stuart Cave, Volunteer Litter Picker, said: "Litter picking can be really rewarding as it gives you a huge sense of achievement when you see the difference you've made to the community.

"We've taken up litter picking as a family and have really enjoyed doing an activity together as well as the many mental and physical benefits it has given us.

Councillor Andrew Woodman, Portfolio Holder for Community Services at North West Leicestershire Council said: "During the coronavirus pandemic, we've seen an increase in volunteers getting involved in litter picking and we're incredibly grateful for their efforts to make the district a cleaner and more attractive place to live.

"We're keen to continue to support our volunteers and the funding will help to keep up with the litter picking demand that we've seen across North West Leicestershire.

"Anyone interested in becoming a volunteer should visit the website for more information on staying safe whilst litter picking."