Mayor leads litter pick along Birmingham canal in campaign to get the region looking its best
Published: Monday 24 Jan 2022
Andy Street, Mayor of the West Midlands, has led a litter pick along the canals of central Birmingham as part of a campaign to get the region looking its best as it prepares to host the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games and events to mark the Queen's Platinum Jubilee.
The Mayor was joined by John Crabtree, the Lord Lieutenant of the West Midlands for the litter pick at the Worcester and Birmingham Canal, from the Utilita Arena Birmingham towards University Station.
The group - which also included six Deputy Lieutenants for the West Midlands and Adnan Saif, Director for West Midlands from the Canal & River Trust - were helping to make the area clean and sparkling on Saturday (22 January) as part of the Mayor's West Midlands Great Clean Up.
Andy Street, West Midlands Mayor, (far left) was joined by John Crabtree, the Lord Lieutenant of the West Midlands (third from right) for the litter pick.
The Mayor said: This summer the eyes of the world will be on the West Midlands as we host the Commonwealth Games. With the international spotlight shining on us, we need to ensure our home is sparkling and looking its absolute best.
The West Midlands Great Clean Up we launched last year is a wonderful way to support this mission. Whether you're a regular litter picker or someone with an hour to give over the weekend, I'd encourage everyone who can to get involved and sign up to the Great Clean Up
John Crabtree, the Lord Lieutenant of the West Midlands, said: This is a unique year of celebration for the region, as we mark the Queen's Platinum Jubilee and host the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games.
My colleagues and I were delighted to join the Mayor's campaign to help keep Birmingham clean and tidy - and we enjoyed a wonderful canalside walk alongside some of the city's key landmarks
Adnan Saif, Director for West Midlands at Canal & River Trust, said: Across the West Midlands, we have 520 miles of canals, weaving their way through richly vibrant and culturally diverse communities and playing a central role in helping residents live a happier, healthier life. They are a major asset to the region.
As we prepare to welcome hundreds of thousands of extra visitors to the West Midlands this year for the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games, it's never been more important that our canals look their best. The West Midlands Great Clean Up is a fantastic way to help us do this
To sign up for the West Midlands Great Clean Up, visit https://beta.wmca.org.uk/the-mayor/wm-clean-up/