MP impressed by community sweep up in Burley Road

8th August 2011
MP impressed by community sweep up in Burley Road

Gordon Henderson MP was impressed this week with the show of support the residents of Burley Road gave to Sioux Peto’s idea to sweep the road for the Sittingbourne and Sheppey Big Clean-Up.

The Big Clean-Up, taking place during August 2011 in Sittingbourne and Sheppey, is a campaign set up by Mr Henderson in partnership with local charity Litter Angels and Keep Britain Tidy’s Love Where You Live campaign. The aim is for individuals and local groups to commit to at least one clean-up project.

Sioux Peto, lead artist at the Polka Dot Art Centre, Chair of Swale Arts Forum and organiser of local charity, Litter Angels, joined by her partner, Colin Barnard, was due to participate in the campaign by sweeping the pavement outside her house in Burley Road, however, many other residents came out of their own houses to help her, which resulted in them sweeping the whole road.

Sioux Peto said,

“Gordon Henderson's Big Clean-Up and Keep Britain Tidy’s Love Where You Live are great campaigns which instil pride and a sense of achievement and I see it growing every year. Cleaning my road was a spur of the moment thing. Colin and I really wanted to do something practical for the Big Clean-Up and Burley Road is a great place to live and chat, where the neighbours do care for each other and the street. I have lived there for 22yrs and love it.

“Thank you to everyone who came out and swept the front of their houses and the rest of the street. It was very hot and dusty and we all worked very hard. We did a fantastic job as our street looks so shiny and clean now. We will definitely do it again.”

Mr Henderson added,

“I was impressed how a simple idea turned into a community event. I would like to thank Sioux and all the residents in Burley Road for showing their support for the Big Clean-Up campaign and for their shared efforts.

“This type of project sets a wonderful example which I hope other residents in Sittingbourne and Sheppey will follow so we can create an area which is clean, tidy and inviting for all.”

To find out more information about the Big Clean-Up, the projects scheduled to take place during August or to see photos of the projects, please visit the Big Clean-Up website on: www.gordonhendersonmp.org.uk/cleanupss.

Litter Angels, in partnership with the Big Clean-Up is also running recycled art workshops for 7-15 year olds during August. The workshops taking place at the Polka Dot Art Centre in Teynham will run between 10:30am-12:20pm and cost £5.00 per person. To book a place, please contact Sioux Peto on 01795 428150 or email: [email protected].