A programme of environmental work focusing on a Greener Southwell has been lined up for Wednesday, March 25.

Tree planting, hedge and tree pruning, ‘bug hotels’, recycling and ‘idling’ engines are all on an extensive ‘to do’ list as part of Newark and Sherwood District Council’s ongoing commitment to promote and maintain the district as Cleaner, Safer and Greener.

The event follows six highly successful days of action in the last two years, including three in Newark and one each in Ollerton, Boughton and Blidworth, which have each been targeted at each area’s specific needs.

The day day has been framed by the district council to tie in with the Southwell Town Council’s on-going programme of environmental action.

Joining the district council team on the day will be other partners including Nottinghamshire Police, Nottinghamshire County Council and Woodhead Group.

The day of action programme includes:

· Installing new recycling bins on the Burgage and the War Memorial Park

· Tree planting at the Norwood Gardens and War Memorial Parks

· New ‘bug hotels’ – specially made habitats to attract insects which are vital to the eco-system – at the War Memorial Park and the Burgage in conjunction with Men in Sheds

· The council is looking at making a contribution toward a hanging basket scheme

· Pruning along the Burgage, Riverside between the Mill and Newark Road

· Installing new dog bin on Higgins Mead and handing out dog bags at Prebend Passage, Ropewalk Passage and the Passage from the Burgage to Manor Close

· A volunteer litter pick at the War Memorial Park along with a street cleanse of the town

· Handing out ‘anti-pollution’ car idling leaflets to motorists outside schools

· Speed safety checks, in conjunction with the police, at key locations following complaints they have been receiving from residents in the town

· Offering a free, day long bulky waste collection for properties north of Norwood Gardens, to mitigate any risk of fly-tipping

· Assessing potholes to see whether they meet the criteria for Nottinghamshire County Council to repair

· Holding a joint member-police surgery for residents.

The chairman of the district council’s leisure and environment committee, Coun Roger Jackson, said: “It’s nice to be able to work with the local community to help improve the areas where they live, their environment and surrounding areas.”

Ward councillors Malcolm Brock, Peter Harris and Penny Rainbow have all expressed their support for the event.

Coun Brock added: “Hopefully, we can give a lead on this agenda and importantly, demonstrate how all residents can make a contribution, no matter how modest. We all have a part to play in enhancing the quality of life for all.”

Coun Harris said: “Lots of people clean up our town and our play areas on a regular basis. We’re really pleased to see how little littering there is in our streets and open spaces, but we’re holding a complete ‘spring clean’ on March 21-22, March 25-28 and March 29.

“We’re sad to see how much rubbish is thrown out of cars as they come along the roads before they come through our small market town. We also have dumping of large items in fields and laybys.”

Coun Rainbow said: “I’m very much looking forward to our planned day of action. Hopefully we can promote this day and get the community involved. I receive many emails with concerns around our recycling rate, litter, speeding traffic over hanging branches, pot holes. The list goes on! Hopefully we can we can address and look at ways of trying to help in certain areas.”

Pictured are town and district councillors Penny Rainbow (front, left), Peter Harris (back) and Malcolm Brock with Coun Roger Jackson, chairman of Newark and Sherwood District Council’s leisure and environment committee.

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