Seven years of the Hoo Clean Up

When I formed the Hoo Clean Up community litter picking event back in January 2012 I didn't think it would still be regularly taking place seven years later.

A team of Hoo residents last month marked the seventh anniversary of the Hoo Clean Up at the group's first litter pick of 2019. The volunteers were joined by a group of enthusiastic beavers (and cubs and scouts) from 50th Medway Towns (Hoo) Scout Group (all pictured below).

The Hoo Clean Up wasn't formed to provide a litter picking service, or to highlight any failing in service by Medway Council (or its contractors). It was formed to highlight a growing problem of residents (of all ages) who needlessly drop litter.

I am pleased to say that I have attended all but two or three events since January 2012.

If you would like to take part - the volunteers in Hoo meet on the last Saturday of every month (except in April and December) at 9.30am, outside Hoo Library (Church Street, Hoo , ME3 9AL). The session is followed by free refreshments (sponsored by the Village Voices Community Magazine) back at Hoo Library.
 

Big turnout for the Hoo Clean Up!

The April Hoo Clean Up (pictured below on the May event poster) was possibly the most well attended session to date.

20 local residents came along to help collect litter from the village square, the car parks behind Co-Op and Spar supermarkets, Church Street and parts of Main Road, Stoke Road, Vicarage Lane and Bells Lane.

Another fantastic effort from the volunteers, finished off with refreshments and some tasty nibbles back at Taggs Coffee Shop.

Having attended every Clean Up event since they were created in January 2012, it was especially nice on this occasion to welcome along a few new faces. The next opportunity to get involved will be on Saturday 25 May at 9.30am. The meeting point will again be Taggs (Church Street, Hoo).

The Hoo Clean Ups are supported by Village Voices (the community magazine for Hoo and Chattenden), MHS Homes and the Keep Britain Tidy campaign. No funding is received (or sought) from Medway Council or Hoo Parish Council.

If you’d like to find out more about the Hoo Clean Ups, get in touch with Michael Pearce (Clean Up Co-Ordinator) on 07919 693095 or send an email here.