Midsomer Norton residents and community groups are being encouraged to get involved in the Great British September Clean.

The campaign, organised by Keep Britain Tidy, brings people together to clear up litter in towns, villages and the countryside.

Usually held in the spring, this year's Great British Clean was postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic and will now take place between Friday 11 and Sunday 27 September

Councillor David Wood, cabinet member for Neighbourhood Services said: "There is no excuse for littering, it is a blight on our communities and the countryside and pollutes the environment. Sadly, since the easing of lockdown restrictions we've seen a big rise in the amount of litter in our parks and open spaces, verges and hedgerows – everything from takeaway containers to plastic bottles, bags of dog foul and now used face masks.

"Quite honestly there couldn't be a better time for the community to get involved in a big clean-up as over the years this campaign has had a huge impact locally with hundreds of bags containing tonnes of litter collected.

"This is the country's biggest mass-action environmental campaign and by getting involved you'll help to create cleaner streets and open spaces, protecting wildlife and the environment."

To become a #litterhero by joining or hosting a litter pick event in your area register HERE: the Keep Britain t=Tidy website

More locally litter picking equipment is available on loan from the volunteer litter picking group The Keynsham Wombles. For more information email Erica at [email protected]