Deputy Chairperson launches Cleaner, Greener Communities Initiative

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Deputy Chairperson, Councillor Oksana McMahon launched a new community environmental initiative to encourage civic pride in the district. Local community groups are being encouraged to help promote a ‘cleaner, greener environment’ and undertake ‘litter picks’ in their locality. 

As part of the initiative community groups sign up to undertake two ‘litter picks‘ during May and June. The Council will supply all participating groups with ‘Litter Kits’ on loan which will include: large bags, litter pickers, vests and gloves. Groups will also receive ‘Bag it, Bin it’ dog fouling posters/stickers plus 'Always use your brown bin’ wrap stickers for raising awareness of the campaign themes within their local community. 

Speaking at the launch Deputy Chairperson McMahon said, “We live in a beautiful part of the world but unfortunately at times its beauty is occasionally blighted by litter and dog fouling. Many of us successfully recycle our waste but there is still more to do if we are to reach the government recycling target of 50%. I am a great admirer of the excellent work our local community groups do and would encourage them to take part in this initiative and use their influence at a local level to encourage positive environmental action towards a cleaner, greener community”.

This initiative is sponsored by Natural World Products who recycle the food waste collected in household brown wheelie bins across the district. A celebration event is planned for July which will be hosted by the Chairman/Chairperson of Council and representatives from all participating groups will be invited to attend. 

Community groups who wish to participate in this initiative must complete an expression of interest form, places are limited and will be allocated on a first come, first served basis across the district. 

For further information on the ‘Cleaner, Greener Communities’ initiative please contact our Health and Wellbeing Department on 0300 013 2233. Expression of Interest forms will be available for download from the Council’s website www.newrymournedown.org from Monday 15 April 2019.  The closing date for receipt of Expression of Interest forms is Friday 26 April and community group actions need to be completed before the end of June.