Lancashire-based volunteer group receives donation from United Utilities to aid clean-up efforts

A group of local litter pickers has received a welcome boost to their environmental initiatives thanks to an equipment donation from United Utilities’ Community Fund.

Fylde’s ‘I Love My Beach’ group is committed to preventing coastal pollution. Formed 15 years ago, the group consists of around twenty people, with regulars meeting every Wednesday morning. The team cover the beach and dunes from Fairhaven Road to Fairhaven Lake.

By targeting areas of the beach that have been littered on, the group ensures that waste on Lancashire’s coastline is substantially minimised. The most frequently reported type of material found on UK beaches is plastic, which break down into microplastics and contaminate water. By disposing of these litters responsibly, Fylde’s ‘I Love My Beach’ group is cleaning the area’s waterways, and ensuring the beaches look clean for people to enjoy.

The group reached out to United Utilities, in need of some new litter picking equipment and protective clothing suitable for all weathers.

Paul Taylor, representative of Fylde’s ‘I Love My Beach’ group, commented: “The equipment donation from United Utilities has been a huge help towards our efforts to clean up our beaches. Our team is often exposed to unpredictable coastal weather conditions, from sandy gusts of winds to rain that hasn’t been forecasted. Having protective clothing, appropriate for all weathers, allows us to focus our efforts on cleaning up Fylde’s beaches.

“United Utilities also donated a new set of litter picking equipment, ensuring that we can get to waste stuck in hard-to-reach places, and keep ourselves safe.”

Iain Pilling, Area Engagement Lead for Lancashire at United Utilities, added: “We are proud to support Fylde’s ‘I Love My Beach’ group efforts to clean up our coasts.  We are fortunate to have groups of volunteers who dedicate their time to diligently cleaning our beaches, making them enjoyable for everyone.”

The United Utilities Community Fund provides up to £2,500 to projects that focus on:

• Local watercourses
• Environmental wellbeing
• Sustainable drainage

Community groups that are interested in applying for support can email: Stakeholderrelations@uuplc.co.uk.