Volunteers for the Town SMART initiative founded by South East Holderness councillor Jon Dimberline have gathered for one of the first clean-up operations on the streets of Withernsea.
The newly elected Reform councillor announced plans in July for a scheme to help tidy up the area. Following several volunteer inductions, the initiative now has 24 approved health and safety-trained volunteers, with more expected to sign up in the new year.
On Friday, November 29, a group of volunteers gathered for a litter pick around the Lifeboat fish and chip shop car park, parts of Queen Street, Young Street, Central Promenade, Southcliffe Road and South Promenade. Several other areas and items were identified for future clean-ups.
Cllr Dimberline said: “The exercise was to go out and litter pick and look at jobs we can do in the future. We saw lots of messy houses, messy streets, stuff fly-tipped and lots of litter about the place.”
He commended the current cohort of volunteers for their dedication to the initiative but said it could only survive with continued support. He added that their efforts had already started to be noticed around the town.
He said: “People are starting to notice the change. Our volunteers are overwhelmingly passionate about tidying stuff up. However, it can only survive if volunteers do what volunteers do. Janet goes out every morning picking litter all over the place. Ruby’s doing all kinds of stuff. She wants to do painting jobs, while Mark wants to repair and paint things.
“It’s their passion that will drive it forward. We also have Katie and Avie in Welwick, who are tidying up around the Welwick area, and Chrissie and Stephen from Winestead who will be cleaning up around Winestead and Patrington.”
Volunteer Janet Lightwater said: “I became involved as a new resident of Withernsea. I seized the opportunity when I saw an ad on social media asking for volunteers. I attended a meeting to hear more and signed up. I feel this town needs a group like this who are passionate about trying to make Withernsea a cleaner, better town and I feel if people do their bit it could be achieved.
“Withernsea has lots to offer but it needs a helping hand to make things look cleaner and better for all, especially around the town centre. My hope is more people will see what we are doing and join us. Businesses will take more responsibility for doing their bit, or even ask if we can help in any way, and in the future Withernsea will look more appealing and more people will visit our lovely seaside town.”
Volunteer Lorraine Ruby added: “I saw the advert for volunteering and didn’t hesitate. Having lived in Withernsea since 2012 I have seen it deteriorate over the years. Being an east Hull girl, we used to come to visit Withernsea most weekends and all my family have very fond memories of when it was the best little seaside town on the coast.
“Town SMART is a great idea for people to get out and about, keep active and meet new friends while doing our bit for the community. We have fun and seeing the before and after results are so rewarding. We want the sparkle back in Withernsea.”
Cllr Dimberline says he is looking into other ways that Town SMART can support the community such as a Chamber of Trade-style organisation for local businesses, a security operation, and a junior clean-up branch.
Anyone wishing to join can contact the committee by messaging the Facebook page Town SMART East Yorkshire. Alternatively, contact Cllr Dimberline at [email protected] or call 01964 614400.
Anyone wishing to join must complete an initial health and safety induction before being allowed to carry out any operations.
Once signed up, volunteers will be added to the WhatsApp group where they can report and set up clean-up activities, or join activities led by other volunteers. Once registered, people can undertake as many activities for as many hours as they wish.
