Communities in Powys are being encouraged to get involved in the Spring Clean Cymru campaign, running from 17 March to 2 April, to help tackle litter across the region.

Powys County Council is partnering with Keep Wales Tidy for the initiative, with both organisations urging schools, businesses, community groups, individuals and families to take part.

Last year, 17,000 volunteers participated in 364 clean-ups across Wales, and Keep Wales Tidy is hoping to build on this figure in 2023.

The event is part of Caru Cymru, Keep Wales Tidy's scheme to eradicate waste and litter across the country.

Cllr Jackie Charlton, Cabinet Member for a Greener Powys said:

"Our Powys communities are well known for taking care of their local areas, but during the Spring Clean Cymru fortnight, we would like to encourage even more of you to help keep Powys clean and green.

"In previous years we have seen an impressive number of groups and individuals volunteering to help keep Powys clean and tidy, so we are delighted to be joining forces with Keep Wales Tidy again this year for the 2023 Spring Clean Cymru campaign.

"I will be out with my local group, the Llangattock Litter Pickers, and I would urge as many of you as possible to join in or organise your own local event. Not only is it beneficial for our local environment, but it can be a great way to have fun and socialise with likeminded people.

"Litter picking toolkits, containing everything you need, can be borrowed from some of our libraries, so please pop in or reserve your kit online and organise a spring clean for your local area soon."

Keep Wales Tidy Chief Executive Owen Derbyshire said:

"Our message this year is simple: even one bag can make a big difference. Whether you choose to clean up your own neighbourhood, your favourite beach, park or beauty spot - every piece of litter removed from the natural environment matters.

"Litter picking is also a fun, free activity that can benefit your health, wellbeing, and sense of pride in your community. So go grab a litter picker, get outdoors and show some love for Wales this spring."

Spring Clean Cymru is part of Caru Cymru (a Welsh phrase meaning 'Love Wales') - Keep Wales Tidy' biggest ever initiative to eradicate litter and waste.

Caru Cymru has received funding through the Welsh Government Rural Communities - Rural Development Programme 2014-2020, which is funded by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development and the Welsh Government.

To take part in Spring Clean Cymru, visit the Keep Wales Tidy website: www.keepwalestidy.cymru