A SCHEME where people can borrow litter-picking equipment has been relaunched. The Anti-Litterbugs campaign was started by George O’Brien from Barnard Castle about five years ago when he was just 13.
It saw community-minded people being able to borrow litter-pickers and bag holders based at the former Connelly’s Toy Shop, in Barnard Castle, but was put on hold when the business was sold last year.
Pauline Connelly said the equipment was used frequently.
She added: “It was used by the Brownies, the Cubs, The Hub, The Witham, some people from Gainford and some people from over Startforth still have them because they walk up and down Bowes Road and I said, ‘just keep them’ because they do it all the time.”
The re-opening of the shop under the brand Teesdale Toys by siblings Josh Jenkins and Laura Drew has enabled the lending scheme to be relaunched.
Last week George, who is now 19, handed over the kit and people can again visit the shop on The Bank.
Mr Jenkins said: “We are more than happy to do it because we have the storage space.”
The purchase of the equipment was initially made possible through a grant from GSK, and failing equipment has been replaced through donations.
George’s mum Faye said: “The Meet committee borrow it every year and they give a donation which we use to replenish the equipment.”
Along with arranging regular community litter-picks, George also runs a litter awareness campaign.
George said: “Woodland Primary School for one, I gave them a demonstration. We can be found on our Anti-Litterbugs Facebook page for people to contact us in case they want to join us on our litter-picks.”
martinpaul@teesdalemercury.co.uk
