Last updated 11:45, Thursday, 24 April 2008

CIGARETTE ends were said to be one of the worst problems littering Whitehaven’s streets according to the children who took part in a clean up.

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MP Jamie Reed joined pupils Jack Wigham ,Caitlin Holburt ,Megan Elsmore, Chloe Burns, Leah Scott , Joe Bell and Poppy Canfield from Jericho school for a town and park clean up in Whitehaven's Castle Park

Joining them was Copeland MP Jamie Reed, members of Whitehaven in Bloom, town traders, Chamber of Trade members as well as representatives from Whitehaven Heritage Action Group and Civic Society.

Further feedback from the children at the clean up last Thursday was that the other major culprit was takeaway wrappers.

There were pupils from seven different Copeland schools taking part.

The aim of the day was to help get the pride back into Whitehaven and stir people into getting involved and helping to look after their town.

Organiser Lee Hodgson, of the Whitehaven in Bloom committee, said the day was a huge success and that it was just the beginning of a clean-up campaign.

Money was received from the Bransty and Harbour Neighbourhood Forum and two Sellafield unions to finance reflective vests and litter grabbers. And Wilkinsons’ manager Graham Thompson provided all the brushes and shovels.

It is hoped that another event is being organised in a couple of months and the pupils are also hoping to get further involved by using the equipment to clean up the area near to their schools.

Areas getting the clean-up treatment included outside of the Civic Hall and King Street.

Jamie Reed said: “I was greatly encouraged by the response from the local primary schools at being involved with the clean up, the children produced some outstanding designs and logos.

“This was a great opportunity to help develop the children’s understanding of the impact of their actions on the environment in which they live and play.”

“I thank Lee Hodgson of the Whitehaven in Bloom group for not only organising the event but also for the fantastic work they do in the town.”