Across North East Lincolnshire, dedicated volunteers, community groups, and councillors, have been stepping up to tackle the borough’s litter problem.
The Liberal Democrat group say these regular litter-picking initiatives highlight the civic spirit of residents determined to keep their neighbourhoods clean, but these efforts also expose a wider issue – the council’s street cleaning services are struggling to meet growing demand.
In response, the Liberal Democrat group has put forward a council budget amendment named ‘Operation Clean & Green’, as part of the Council’s 2025/56 budget setting discussions. The amendment calls for a £200,000 pilot scheme aimed at strengthening street-cleaning services, tackling fly-tipping, and supporting community-led waste management initiatives.
Under the Environmental Protection Act 1990, local councils have a statutory responsibility to maintain clean public spaces. However, with just two barrow operatives allocated to high-traffic areas like Grimsby Town Centre and Cleethorpes, many residential streets receive only minimal cleaning.
Liberal Democrat councillors and volunteers have been actively involved in addressing litter in the borough, organising regular clean-up events for several years. Most recently, they collected 20 bags of litter last Sunday, following the removal of 26 bags the previous week. In 2024, they had reported over 1,000 cases of fly-tipping for council removal, with new reports continuing to be made on a weekly basis.
Building on these efforts, the Lib Dems’ ‘Operation Clean & Green’ proposal seeks to take a more proactive and sustainable approach. Key measures include:
- Recruiting four additional barrow operatives to enhance cleaning efforts in residential areas.
- Expanding cleaning services in high-need areas including East Marsh, West Marsh, Park, Heneage, South Ward, and Sidney Sussex - where persistent litter and parking challenges have exacerbated waste issues.
- Launching a deep-cleaning programme that notifies residents in advance so parked vehicles can be moved, enabling street sweepers full access for thorough cleaning, pothole repairs, refreshed road markings and waste removal all in one go.
- Introducing an Urban Litter Ranger role, dedicated to community engagement, education, and working with schools, community groups and businesses to promote and practically assist with litter awareness and prevention.
- Implementing a group booking system for bulky waste collection, allowing multiple households to share costs and improve accessibility to legal waste disposal.
Liberal Democrat group leader, Cllr Nicola Aisthorpe, who is moving the proposal stated, “Our street-cleaning teams do an incredible job with the limited resources they have—they are dedicated, hardworking, and committed to keeping our borough clean. However, they simply don’t have the resources they need to meet increasing demand, and that is holding them back.
“This budget amendment is about adopting a more strategic and effective approach to street cleaning.
“Residents have expressed growing frustration over mounting litter, fly-tipping, and the challenges posed by parked cars restricting street-cleaning access.
“Furthermore, the Council’s £25 fee for bulky waste collection (for up to four items) has been identified as a financial barrier, particularly during the ongoing cost-of-living crisis, which may be contributing to illegal dumping. A system that allows residents to share costs would make waste disposal more accessible and affordable.
“Rather than continuously reacting to litter and fly-tipping, the council must tackle the root causes. By increasing staff and improving waste collection services, we can create a cleaner, healthier borough for everyone.”
Liberal Democrats Cllr Loyd Emmerson, seconding the motion added: “The dedication of our local volunteers is outstanding, but they should not have to take on this challenge alone. The Council must do more. I regularly join my team in litter-picking and see first-hand the urgent need for action.
“Operation Clean & Green is a cost-effective and practical solution that will give our streets the attention they deserve.”
Liberal Democrat Cllr Steve Beasant also voiced his support for the proposal, emphasising the need for urgent action: “I’m pleased that Councillor Aisthorpe and Councillor Emmerson are putting forward this vital budget amendment to tackle the deep-rooted issues affecting areas blighted by litter and fly-tipping.
“We want to restore civic pride across our borough, and if this amendment gains the support of other councillors, we can make our streets cleaner and greener.”
The amendment proposal will be debated at the upcoming budget-setting meeting on Thursday 20th February in Full Council.
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