Across Birmingham, litter picking volunteers give up their own time to clean our streets, parks and green spaces.
But instead of being properly valued and supported by Birmingham City Council, too many volunteers are being let down. Now we want to hear from you so we can continue to push the city council for improvements.
Recently, volunteers have been emailed by the council and told there was no stock of blue bags.
Cllr. Richard Parkin (Con, Sutton Reddicap ward) raised the issue on behalf of local residents, saying: “When we challenged the Cabinet Member on this, we were told there were no issues, but when we went back with evidence of the email’s volunteers had received, the Cabinet Member stopped responding.
So, I submitted a formal written question.
Only then did the council finally admit there had been a problem, although they claimed it was not about stock, but about delivering that stock to volunteers, many of whom were still being told that blue bags were being rationed. One group asked for five boxes and only received two. Another volunteer was left waiting for 7 weeks, with no response to their chasing.
If the issue is only delivery, why are volunteers still not getting what they need or being given reliable information?”
Cllr. Robert Alden (Erdington ward), Leader of the Conservative Group added: “These volunteers are doing work that benefits the whole city. They should not have to chase basic supplies, they should not be left waiting weeks and they should not be given one explanation one month, and another explanation when councillors start asking questions.
If Birmingham City Council don't value them, we risk them turning away, making the litter that blights our city even worse.”
