When & where?

Please meet on the Plaistow village green, opposite the shop/Winterton Hall, just before the allocated start time. The litter pick takes approximately two hours. Volunteers will be issued with a ‘route’ on the day.

Equipment & clothing

The Parish Council supplies all the equipment you need, including litter grabbers, refuse sacks and hi-vis vests, and, with the help of Chichester District Council, arranges the collection of the rubbish you pick up.

You are required to please:

· bring your own gloves - any heavy-duty gardening/work gloves are fine. Wearing gloves is a mandatory requirement for your own safety.

· wear sensible clothes, depending on the weather; however long sleeves and trousers are required for personal safety. Closed toe shoes are recommended.

Safety first

When you arrive, the Group Leader will give a short safety briefing before everyone begins. It’s all common sense, but please make sure you listen and follow the instructions. The Parish Council is required to undertake a Risk Assessment to ensure the safety of those taking part, so please do read the document in advance of participating.

Volunteers participating in the organised litter pick events are covered by the Council's public liability and employers’ liability insurance; provided volunteers follow the instructions and guidance of the Parish Council.

On the day of the litter pick, you will be asked to confirm that you understand the nature of the activity and the risks (if any) and confirm that you do not have any underlying health conditions which could be exacerbated by the litter pick and have informed the Parish Council of any health condition which may impact your ability to volunteer.

Toilets

Volunteers will be able to use the toilets at the Winterton Hall.

What if I am unable to attend the two scheduled litter picks? Can I still organise a litter pick in my area with my neighbours?

Yes!

Anyone who is unable to join the organised litter pick events, but would like to litter pick throughout the year, can borrow equipment from the Parish Council including:

· Litter pick equipment

· Hi-viz vests

· Road signs

· Refuse sacks

However, please note, under these circumstances volunteers are not working for, or on behalf of Plaistow and Ifold Parish Council and are not covered by the Council's public liability and employers liability insurance.

Information for organisers:

If you do organise an informal litter pick, it is your responsibility to assess the area for any risks before and during the litter picking session and only continue if it is safe to do so.

Please use the Parish Council’s Risk Assessment document as a guide.

HEALTH AND SAFETY GUIDANCE:

Be aware of any hazards in the area, and ensure everyone involved are aware of the safety advice.

For your safety, please:

· use appropriate safety equipment -available from the Parish Council- including litter grabbers and hi-vis vests

· wear appropriate clothing including long sleeves, trousers, and sturdy closed toe shoes

· wear any heavy-duty gardening/work gloves

· erect road signs to notify traffic and other road users of your activity in the area (available to borrow from the Parish Council)

· avoid litter picking steep slopes, or in/near water courses

· notify someone of your whereabouts; take a charged mobile phone and litter pick in pairs where possible

· always litter pick in daylight

· use a litter grabber to pick things up, and don't attempt to pick up anything that is too heavy, sharp, or hazardous

· report any fly tipping or hazardous items, such as needles, to the Parish Council Clerk as soon as possible with location details - clerk@plaistowandifold-pc.gov.uk

· be aware of other people, dogs, and wildlife, and make sure children are supervised at all times (not recommended for children under 10 years of age)

· don't enter private land without permission

· use hand sanitiser and wash your hands thoroughly after the event

Litter picking along any road can be dangerous, especially those that are busy, or have high speed limits. We strongly recommend that you avoid picking any road/area where:

· Traffic is heavy

· Road conditions are such that visibility is restricted by obstructions in the road such as overhanging trees and the contours of the road

· There are blind bends

· Weather dictates it would be difficult for drivers and litter pickers to see each other, for example, sunlight low in the sky, rain or fog, dusk or dawn

· The verge has its own hazards, for example it is especially narrow, rough underfoot or steep banked

· You are unable to face oncoming traffic to pick litter

· You are wearing sound restricting hats, earmuffs or headphones

Personal safety is a priority!

What should I do with the rubbish I collect?

Wherever possible, we encourage you to take the rubbish you collect home with you and put it in your black bin. If you can safely separate out recyclable materials and put these into your recycling bin this is even better.

If the litter pick is likely to result in numerous bags of rubbish that you won’t be able to fit into your own general / recyclable bins, you can arrange for the waste to be collected by Chichester District Council after the event, from a specified location.

Please contact the Clerk for the correct contact information/assistance.