Press Release

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The Isle of Wight Council has been selected by Keep Britain Tidy to be one of only eleven national Big Tidy Up Champions.

Selected from over fifty local authorities, the council's enthusiasm and continued success at keeping the Island tidy won them the prestigious title.

To mark this achievement, the council will launch its Champion status on Thursday 10 September at Church Litten in Newport and embark on a campaign to encourage community groups, individuals and businesses to register and carry out Big Tidy Up events between now and March 2010.

It will be joined by representatives from the Island's probation service which will be carrying out a number of Tidy Up events via its Community Payback scheme and Island Waste which has offered to collect rubbish bags following Big Tidy Up events across the Island.

The Isle of Wight Council will be staging series of major litter picks as part of the national clean up campaign. These will be led by Environment and Neighbourhoods Officers whose job includes working with partner organisations and local communities to keep the Island tidy.

Launched last year, the Big Tidy Up has seen 15,000 clean-ups take place nationwide with a staggering 50,000 bags of rubbish collected.

On the Island - parish councils, schools and individuals have already carried out a number of litter picks this year and the council hopes to work with these organisations to continue their good work and inspire others to take part too.

Cllr Edward Giles, Isle of Wight Council cabinet member for the Environment and Transport said: "It is great news that the Island's efforts have been recognised by Keep Britain Tidy and that we are being highlighted as an example of excellence. The council is looking forward to working with a wide range of groups over the coming months to keep the Island clean and beautiful for all to enjoy."

Phil Barton, Keep Britain Tidy chief executive said: "The Isle of Wight Council is totally committed to tackling the problem of litter and that's why we're joining forces with them.

"They have shown a passion and drive to work with the community to improve the local environment and so should be applauded."

The launch of the Big Tidy Up Champions is being supported by Keep Britain Tidy ambassador Kirstie Allsopp who will be taking part in a Big Tidy Up event in London on Thursday 10 September.

Individuals, schools, community groups or businesses interested in joining the Big Tidy Up initiative on the Island should contact their local Environment and Neighbourhood Officer on 01983 821000 or visit www.bigtidyup.org.