A multi-agency community clean-up at Tremadog has proven a great success thanks to everyone’s willingness to roll up their sleeves and get stuck in.
Among the agencies taking part in the event on the Isgraig Estate in the village on Wednesday were Gwynedd Council, North Wales Fire and Rescue Service, North Wales Police, North Wales Probation, Environment Agency and Keep Wales Tidy.
The main aim of the day was to work in partnership with the local community to tackle environmental problems within the area, by leaving a marked improvement on the conditions within the estate.
The day proved very useful in raising awareness about many different issues including, environmental crime, recycling, fire safety, crime reduction and housing matters.
By working in partnership, eight skips (three tonnes) of rubbish were removed from the estate which included sofas and white goods such as fridges. Residents from the estate along with members from the probation service took part in a litter pick organised by Keep Wales Tidy, where 60 bin bags of rubbish were collected and ¼ tonne of rubbish removed from the ‘Cut’ behind the estate.
In addition to the focus on waste and litter, free home fire safety checks were also being undertaken by North Wales Fire and Rescue Service.
Iona Thomas, Tidy Towns Officer for Gwynedd Council, one of the organisers, said:
“One of the main aims of the day was to work in partnership with the community to improve local environmental quality and conditions for all who live in the area.
“We are hoping that this day will encourage the local residents to take on responsibility for the local environment and to have a lasting sense of pride in maintaining the appearance of their estate and surrounds, including the safe and considerate disposal of waste and litter.”
Councillor Gareth Roberts, Gwynedd Council’s Environment Portfolio Leader, said: “The people of Gwynedd tell us time after time that living in clean and tidy communities is important to them, so I am delighted to see the Council working with local people and other agencies to make Isgraig a better place.
“It is important that this area remains clean and tidy after this day. I would urge people to respect the environment and respect each other and dispose of their rubbish responsibly and legally.”
The local member, Councillor Alwyn Gruffydd, said: “I’m extremely glad that the residents of Isgraig took advantage of the special environmental day. It was a wonderful opportunity to dispose of rubbish and meet other agency staff who provide services to ensure safe and clean communities for the people of Gwynedd.”
PCSO Stephen Phelps from the local Neighbourhood Policing Team added: “The main aim of the day was to bring all key agencies together to help improve the environment, reduce crime and anti-social behaviour and provide public reassurance.
“Today was a real team effort and we are pleased it was a great success. Everybody has worked relentlessly all day and they should all be really proud.
“North Wales Police are committed to working with the local community to identify and tackle any issues that need addressing. Anyone who wishes to talk to a member of the Neighbourhood Policing Team with regards to any concerns are encouraged to contact us on 101.”
Terry Williams, North Wales Fire and Rescue Service’s County Safety Manager for Gwynedd, concluded:
“Cleaner neighbourhoods lead to safer neighbourhoods and a reduction in Anti Social Behaviour and crime. We are hoping that this day will encourage the residents of the area to take responsibility for their safety and the environmental condition of their neighbourhood and to take pride in its appearance.”
If you are interested in benefiting from a free home fire safety check, please phone 0800 169 1234, visit www.nwales-fireservice.org.uk or e-mail [email protected] and leave your contact details. A member of the Service will then be in contact to arrange a convenient time to visit your home.
This environmental action day was supported by the Welsh Assembly Government’s Tidy Towns Initiative, which is administered through Gwynedd Council. For further information about the scheme please contact Gwynedd Council’s Tidy Towns Officer on 01766 771000, e-mail [email protected] or visit www.gwynedd.gov.uk/tidytowns.
