The people of Castletown have been invited to get involved in a special event next week in a new initiative between Castletown Commissioners and the charity Beach Buddies.

The “Castletown Community Clean Up” will be staged on the evening of Tuesday, June 23rd and encourages local residents to spend an hour of their time to tackle some of the problem litter areas around the town.

Commissioners’ chairman Alwyn Collister said, “This is a community project where local people can help to improve their town. We are hoping for a good response and lots of people will want to be involved.”

Bill Dale, founder of Beach Buddies, said, “Castletown is one of the tidiest towns on the Island, but, sadly, it doesn’t prevent a small number of people carelessly leaving litter lying around which can so easily be avoided.

“Perhaps if these people realised just how much damage litter causes to wildlife, causing serious injuries and death, then maybe they might change their habits.”

This is the first time a local authority has teamed up in this way with Beach Buddies, and the charity is keen to get involved in similar events in other parts of the Island.

Bill Dale added, “It was very good news when Castletown Commissioners took the initiative on this idea, and we are delighted to be asked to be involved.

“Our volunteers will also be involved, and we hope this might lead to other local authorities promoting similar projects around the Island.

“The careless disposal of litter is one of the biggest problems in the world’s environment today, and it’s events like this which will highlight the problem and at the same time give people the chance to do their bit to help make a difference.”

Anyone interested in helping, whether a resident in Castletown or not, is asked to meet at the Civic Centre at 6pm on Tuesday, January 23rd. All ages are welcome and it will not be strenuous, collecting items such as tin cans, bottles and food containers. The event lasts only one hour. The only requirement is suitable clothing for the weather and decent shoes or walking boots. There is no need to register in advance.

All equipment will be provided, including litterpickers, bin bags, gloves and hi-vis jackets. Beach Buddies will dispose of the items collected, recycling where possible.

Refreshments will be served in the Civic Centre afterwards, courtesy of Castletown Commissioners.

If wet, the event will take place the following evening, June 24th, at 6pm.