With the mowing season approaching, clearing litter from verges is essential to help the Council’s Parks team maintain green spaces efficiently. On 12 March, Colchester City Council and Colchester Borough Homes staff joined forces with green services provider Idverde for a city-wide clean-up, resulting in the collection an impressive 400 bags of litter, making the city’s streets and open spaces cleaner and safer.
As well as litter, volunteers came across several unexpected and potentially dangerous items, including knives hidden in Barnhall Estate and churchyards in the city centre, a bank card, roof insulation materials, a discarded Christmas tree, and a needle kit. Luckily, the Neighbourhood Services team was on hand to safely dispose of the sharp items, ensuring they could not be used for harm.
Among those taking part was Nina Merrett, a dedicated Litter Warrior and local resident who regularly cleans up her community. Nina said: “I've lived in Colchester my whole life, so keeping my community clean and safe for children to play means a lot to me. I go out as often as I can, not just to clear up plastic waste and broken glass but also for my own well-being. Being outside, having a purpose, and knowing I'm making a difference – it’s really rewarding. Finding those knives during the litter pick last Wednesday made me realise that our efforts could actually help prevent crime. It’s incredible what a small group of people can do in just a few hours!"
Councillor Martin Goss, Portfolio Holder for Waste, Neighbourhoods, and Leisure, said: “A heartfelt thank you to the volunteers at Colchester City Council, Colchester Borough Homes and Idverde, who came out and made a real difference. Their efforts are a true testament to our community spirit. Keeping our streets and green spaces clean is a shared responsibility, and it’s inspiring to see so many people stepping up to take pride in their local environment.”
The clean-up effort reflects the ongoing work of Colchester’s Litter Warriors, a council-supported initiative that enables residents to help maintain a clean and green city by litter picking in their local areas. More than 600 Litter Warriors are already making a difference, and anyone interested in joining can register by emailing community.volunteers@colchester.gov.uk. Volunteers receive a litter picking kit and guidance on how to get involved.
With the national Great British Spring Clean campaign around the corner, now is the perfect time for more residents to sign up and take pride in keeping Colchester clean.
Pictured above: Dedicated Colchester City Council staff, who volunteered for the city-wide clean-up, showcase their efforts.
Page last reviewed: 18 March 2025