30 July 2012
Press release number:PR1866
It might have been the hottest day of the year but that
didn't stop a team of dedicated Youth Council Members donning their
high-vis jackets and grabbing litter picks to help clean up
Ilford.
Ten Youth Council Members along with Councillor Keith Prince,
Leader of the Council, recycling officers and youth workers took to
the streets of Ilford on Wednesday 25 July in a bid to rid them of
rubbish.
Their efforts were part of the 'In Youth We Trust' campaign
which was launched earlier this year to help change residents'
perceptions of young people.
Young people want to change the negative perception
Some of the Borough's young people are concerned that residents
and business owners have a negative perception of them which has
been caused by a minority of young people. They do not feel that
this reputation is fair or warranted.
They know a handful of young people do commit crime, anti-social
behaviour and are a cause for concern but want the wider population
to be made aware of the positive contribution that they and their
peers are already making and are willing to make in the future.
The litter pick took place in Ilford High Road and along Ilford
Lane where there is a large number of fast food outlets and
newsagents which result in people dropping litter on the
streets.
Prior to Wednesday's litter pick, the teenagers distributed
posters to some of the local shops in the area to highlight their
anti-litter campaign. They also spoke to traders to educate them
about the importance of keeping their shop fronts clean and
encouraging their customers to do the same.
Cigarette butts a big problem in Ilford
Sangeeta Das, A Member of the Youth Parliament (MYP), said
"Smoking is an issue in Ilford. Not only does it pollute the air
and cause health problems but it also results in litter. Today, we
must have picked up hundreds of cigarette butts."
Abda Kazemi, MYP, said, "A litter pick may not sound glamorous
but it is definitely a fulfilling activity as people appreciate you
giving back to the community."
"Very rewarding to give back to my community"
Hina Khalid, said, "Good fun to be out in the sun and definitely
very rewarding to give back to my community, inspiring people to
keep Redbridge clean."
This is just one of a number of projects that Youth Council
Members will be undertaking throughout the year as part of the In
Youth We Trust Campaign.
