BID litter picks see over 300 volunteers tidy up the town centre

More than 300 volunteers have joined forces with Barrow BID over the past year to help keep Barrow town centre clean, welcoming and vibrant.

The monthly litter picks were introduced just over a year ago following feedback from town centre businesses, which identified improving the appearance of the town centre as a key priority.

Since then, the initiative has grown into much more than a clean-up, becoming a regular community event that brings together local businesses, organisations and residents with a shared sense of pride in Barrow.

Over the past year, a record 362 volunteers have taken part, collecting an impressive 832 bags of litter from streets, car parks, alleyways and public spaces across the town centre. Thanks to the dedication of volunteers, every corner of the town centre receives attention, helping create a positive first impression for visitors while making the area more enjoyable for those who live and work there.

The latest litter pick saw volunteers from Furness Multicultural, Holiday Inn Express, Furness Building Society and several other local organisations brave the windy conditions to help keep the town centre looking its best.

The litter picks form part of Barrow BID's wider commitment to improving the appearance of the town centre. The recently launched Street Ranger initiative enables businesses to quickly report issues such as graffiti and other environmental concerns so they can be addressed quickly.

Meanwhile, the colourful planters installed throughout the town centre two years ago continue to brighten the streets, with seasonal displays refreshed throughout the year. Community planting days also give volunteers another opportunity to get involved and help create an attractive environment for everyone.

Matt Blackburn, BID Operations Supervisor, said: "Over the past year, it's been fantastic to see a noticeable reduction in litter across our town thanks to the incredible support of local businesses, organisations and our amazing volunteers who continue to give up their time to help improve the area. The introduction of our Street Rangers has also made a real difference, with regular litter picking, graffiti removal, pressure washing and other improvements helping to keep our town looking its best.

"I'm incredibly passionate about improving our town centre, and it's inspiring to see so many people sharing that passion. It really is a fantastic team effort, and while these things don't change overnight, we're certainly heading in the right direction. I'd like to say a huge thank you to everyone who has supported these efforts. Your commitment, community spirit and pride in our town are helping to create a cleaner, greener place for everyone."