The winners of a prize draw held as part of a community litter pick scheme in East Suffolk have been announced …

 Suffolk Coastal and Waveney District Councils are keen to encourage, enable and reward people to show more love for the environment we live in. As part of the ‘Love East Suffolk’ scheme, community groups have a winning way of cleaning up their neighbourhood while helping themselves.

 Last year, a total of 94 litter picks was carried out in Suffolk Coastal by 1,928 volunteers and 38 litter picks was carried out in Waveney by 836 volunteers.

 Community groups that took part between 1 March and 31 May 2018 were entered into a prize draw with the chance to win £200 for the benefit of the community and the winners have now been drawn.

 Suffolk Coastal’s prize draw winners are Martlesham Parish Council, Wickham Market Village Volunteer Group, Knodishall PC, Chediston & Linstead PC and 1st Old Felixstowe Guides.

Waveney’s prize draw winners are 2nd Carlton Colville Scout Group, 2nd Beccles Scouts Group, Blundeston & Flixton WI and Marine Conservation Society.

 The rewards are funded through the Councils’ partners, Suffolk Coastal and Waveney Norse.

 In a joint statement, Cllr Carol Poulter, Suffolk Coastal’s Cabinet Member for Green Environment and Cllr Graham Catchpole, Waveney’s Cabinet Member for Operational Partnerships, said: “A bit of time and effort can make a big difference to an area, not only for the people who live there but the wildlife too – it is a great way to give something back to your local community and we hope that other residents appreciate the efforts of all those who voluntarily pick up litter.

 “We are very lucky to be living in such a beautiful part of the country, but of course it’s just a shame that some people don’t seem to know how to use a litter bin or take their rubbish home. It would be better of course if everyone took a bit more responsibility towards their own rubbish so that other people don’t have to go and pick it up for them in the first place.

 “As always, we will support groups wishing to take part in litter picks by providing them with litter picking equipment and collect the waste on their behalf. This service is available at any time of the year - not just during the spring.”

 The Love East Suffolk initiative will be repeated again this year and any community groups that take part will receive £20 for their nominated community fund or charity, and will also be entered into a £200 grand prize draw. More details will be released in the spring.

 Both Suffolk Coastal Norse and Waveney Norse can provide volunteers with equipment to groups on request and will also arrange for gathered litter to be collected. Litter pick sticks, bag hoops, and green vests can also be loaned out, subject to availability.

 To register a community litter pick at any time, please visit: www.eastsuffolk.gov.uk/litter