An update from Sara Messenger of the Bradley Stoke in Bloom group.
This month once again saw us take part in South Gloucestershire Council’s (SGC’s) Spring Clean campaign. Keeping a wary eye on the gathering clouds, we set off from the doctors’ surgery on Brook Way armed with hoops, litter pickers and an alarming assortment of different coloured bags. Once, a task like litter picking was simple, but now it seems to be governed by a Byzantine set of rules. However, we mostly managed to use the right bags and to separate the recyclable and the rubbish. Maybe I only have myself to blame for this, as listening to a talk from SGC on how we needed to do our bit and recycle more, I did point out that we residents are mostly doing all we can, but all the rubbish from the street bins goes straight to landfill, even if it had been sorted first! Soon after that, we received a new set of rules stipulating that blue bags are for rubbish, clear for recycling and black will not be collected, so maybe our observation was taken on board.
Our morning route took us along The Common East, Brackendene and along Bradley Stoke Way to the Aztec West Roundabout, stopping only to pat dogs and chat, something I like to think of as my second hobby. Many people told us that they always pick up rubbish while walking their dog, and I do feel that these unsung heroes are regularly doing something which is probably far more beneficial to the town than our spring time blitz. I’m sure you would all like to join me in thanking them all for their efforts.
At one time, SGC would give regular helpers their own litter picker, although I’m not sure they still do. I’m sure I’ll hear the words ‘budget constraints’, but it seems a very small outlay to win the ongoing battle of keeping our town clean.
The two Aztec West bus stops still have no bins and we collected almost a bag-full from behind each stop. I’m fairly sure these stops had bins before the MetroBus roadworks and have asked the town council when the bins will be reinstated. I think it’s not unreasonable to expect the ‘new’ type of bins that separates the recyclable from the rubbish.
Close by, we also found eight fly-tipped bags, which we added to our collection, along with an extremely soggy mattress. In total, we left 20 bags for collection by Bradley Stoke Town Council (to whom we’re very grateful) the following Monday.
We’re hoping we’ll be forgiven for stopping just after lunch, for not only had we run out of bags and of Ceri’s birthday cake, but Pepi had found an injured collared dove (see photo), which required some immediate attention.
If you would like to organise your own Spring Clean, however big or small, you still have plenty of time as this year’s campaign will run until Friday 10th May. For more information or to borrow equipment go to: www.southglos.gov.uk/springclean
P.S. Doris the dove is already looking much better, although if she doesn’t stop eating, I’m not sure that when the time comes for her release she’ll achieve take off!
Photo: BSiB volunteers with collected rubbish near the Aztec West Roundabout.
How to contact Bradley Stoke in Bloom:
- t: 07582 634107
- e: bsib@hotmail.co.uk
- w: bradleystokeinbloom.com
- Bradley Stoke in Bloom on Facebook
This article originally appeared in the March 2019 issue of the Bradley Stoke Journal magazine (on page 18). The magazine is delivered FREE, EVERY MONTH (except August), to ALL 8,700 homes in Bradley Stoke. Phone 01454 300 400 to enquire about advertising or leaflet insertion.
