Richmond Pride was formed in 2002 under the banner of Richmond Town Council. Since then, a dedicated group of volunteers has met at least once a month to litter-pick, with others doing regular clean-ups where they live - including Richmond Falls. The group is part of a campaign aimed at cleaning up some of North Yorkshire’s best-loved locations.
North Yorkshire Council has teamed up with parish and town councils to encourage residents and visitors to protect the environment, with weatherproof anti-littering posters installed in their communities. The Richmond Pride group (Image: NORTH YORKSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL) Volunteer at Richmond Pride, Lorraine Batts said: “Our historic market town is such a beautiful place, so it’s no surprise how popular it is with tourists and day-trippers. “However, a consequence of an influx of visitors is the blight of litter, which is regularly left at the waterfall, batts and in nearby Friary Gardens.
“The group was formed over 20 years ago to keep our neighbourhood clean, tidy, and welcoming.” Research has shown that more than two million pieces of litter are dropped in the UK every day, and about 350 million drinks cans are picked up from the ground every year. Getting rid of litter from the streets costs £1bn a year, according to research by the Keep Britain Tidy charity.
The council helps community groups to operate by providing equipment, such as litter-pickers and high-vis vests, and advice, as well as arranging for any litter to.