A few weeks ago, I had the privilege of joining the Billesley Bin Baggers, a fantastic group of local volunteers dedicated to keeping our parks and streets clean. What started as a grassroots response to the pandemic – when reduced activity by Parks staff and closed facilities led to a surge in litter, has grown into a committed and inspiring community effort.

The Billesley Bin Baggers have worked tirelessly to clear areas like Chinn Brook Recreation Ground, The Dingles, and roads across the constituency. Today, the group has more than 100 members who take to the streets armed with Birmingham City Council (BCC) blue waste bags, Hi-Vis jackets, gloves, and litter pickers provided through the Cleaner, Greener, Streets operation. Once filled, the waste bags are collected by the Council when left alongside litter bins, ensuring that volunteer efforts translate into lasting cleanliness.

This initiative is a testament to the power of community action. It shows how local people, when given the right support, can make a real difference to their environment. Keeping our parks and streets free from litter not only makes them more pleasant places to spend time but also helps protect local wildlife and fosters a greater sense of pride in our neighbourhoods.

I am committed to supporting volunteer groups like the Billesley Bin Baggers, as well as other organisations working towards a cleaner and safer constituency. From ensuring the Council continues to provide essential resources, to encouraging more people to get involved in local clean-up efforts, I will do all I can to back initiatives that improve our shared spaces.

If you’d like to learn more about the Billesley Bin Baggers or get involved in their fantastic work, please get in touch. Together, we can build a cleaner, greener, and stronger community for everyone.