Local residents and community groups worked together this last Thursday (4 April 2019) to clear up the ginnels and area around Lady Pit Lane allotments in Beeston Hill. They collected around 20 bags worth of litter, making an immediate positive impact on the look and feel of the area.
The successful event was organised and led by local resident Lisa Bedford, and supported by groups including Leeds Mind, TCV Hollybush (The Conservation Volunteers), the local Green Party, and the Council’s local environmental team. Approximately 15 people of all ages gave their time and energy to help out, including local kids, and candidates in the upcoming local elections (Ed Carlisle for the Green Party, and Paul Wray for Labour).
Much of the litter collected was crisp packets, drinks bottles, and the like. However, there were a few more interesting finds – including a functioning pushchair, and a poignant collection of old photographs and other possessions that were clearly once prized.
Lisa, who proposed and led the event, said:
“This is the first time I’ve done anything like this, and I was worried there would only be two or three of us. But thank you so much to all those who’ve come – we’ve made such a difference. I hope this will be the first of many – I’d like to make this a monthly event.”
And reflecting on a rewarding morning of work, one of the litter pickers added:
“We had a lovely morning, and it was great to do something positive for the local environment. All the better, it was followed up with a delicious free lunch, generously provided at the Sikh Gurdwara (temple).”
The clear-up was linked to ongoing community activities to improve the local environment around the Lady Pit Lane allotments. Over the forthcoming summer, TCV will be setting up a community food growing project, and a ‘Green Gym’ (1pm-4pm every Thursday), open to all; for more details, call Zoe on 0113 239 9924, or click here. For more info on the ‘Outdoors Active and Well’ partnership project (featuring TCV, Leeds Mind, and others), click here. The Sikh Gurdwara (temple) on Lady Pit Lane provide free lunches to anyone, Monday to Friday, between 12pm-2pm: just drop in.
This post was written by Chris Martin.
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