Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson, Councillor Naomi Bailie joined the CEO of Keep Northern Ireland Beautiful Dr Ian Humphreys to launch Down Your Street as part of the “Live Here Love Here” initiative.
Chairperson Baillie speaking at the launch said, “Live Here Love Here has a strong civic pride ethos helping local groups take voluntary and practical environmental action to improve their communities. “Down Your Street” will echo these values. It will encourage local groups to commit to carrying out clean ups in their area in return for free litter equipment and a guaranteed collection of all waste gathered. There will be a number of small grants available to assist groups to enhance their local areas. An important part of the scheme will also include the holding of a rewards ceremony which will recognise the positive work undertaken by participating groups.”

Cllr Bailie concluded by saying, “Every environmental improvement action that takes place in our local communities, however small, adds to the overall wellbeing of our district. We all know groups who are proactive in tackling environmental problems at local level and could do with some help. The “Down Your Street” initiative will provide them with some much needed assistance. It’s the second year of the project in Down and is now being offered to Newry and Mourne residents.”

Ian Humphreys, Chief Executive at Keep Northern Ireland Beautiful said, “The work of proud local citizens who volunteer their precious time is, as funding cuts affect us all, increasingly vital to maintaining the quality of life we all want and expect.  These small grants support practical action in communities and seek to grow a strong ‘can-do’ community spirit. By working together and encouraging everyone to take part, we can start to tackle the negative impact of littering and other environmental behaviours and create a cleaner, greener and more prosperous society.”

Any group in the Newry, Mourne and Down District Council area interested in finding out more about the “Down Your Street” scheme should contact Lucinda Scott, Newry, Mourne and Down District Council on 0300 013 2233  or emailLucinda.scott@downdc.gov.uk.
More information about the Live Here Love Here campaign can also be found at www.liveherelovehere.org

Pictured: Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson, Cllr Naomi Bailie and Ian Humphreys, Chief Executive Keep Northern Ireland Beautiful met recently to launch 'Down Your Street' part of the national Live Here Love Here initiative.