Join us for the Great British Spring Clean 

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A group of four Settle colleagues wearing high‑visibility vests and gloves stand outdoors beside a residential building, holding litter‑picking tools and large bags filled with collected rubbish. They appear to be participating in a community clean‑up activity, with trees and a grassy area in the background.

This March, we’re taking part in the Great British Spring Clean, a national campaign run by Keep Britain Tidy, and we’d love you to join us. 

When we carried out our Big Door Knock in in the Westmill neighbourhood, Hitchin last year, many residents told us they wanted to see more community events and a stronger shared commitment that everyone plays a part in keeping the neighbourhood tidy. 

The Spring Clean is one way we’re responding, and we’re extending this to the Jackmans and Grange neighbourhoods in Letchworth as well. 

These events are a chance for residents, local schools, community centres and our colleagues to work together and do something practical that helps create spaces that feel cleaner and more welcoming for everyone. 

What we’ll be doing 

You can get involved by: 

  • Litter picking 
  • Weeding and tidying communal outdoor spaces 
  • Cleaning shared outdoor areas, including around bins and pathways.

There will be a range of tasks to suit different abilities, so you can take part in whatever way feels right for you. 

When and where? 

Jackmans (Letchworth) 

Friday 20 March 
Meeting place: Jackmans Community Centre, Letchworth, SG6 2NL 
Sessions: 9.30–11.30am or 12.30–2.30pm 

Westmill (Hitchin) 

Thursday 26 March 
Meeting place: Westmill Community Centre, Hitchin, SG5 2PG 
Sessions: 9.30–11.30am or 12.30–2.30pm 

Grange (Letchworth) 

Friday 27 March 
Meeting place: Grange Community Centre, Letchworth, SG6 4NG 
Sessions: 9.30–11.30am or 12.30–2.30pm 


No need to book, just turn up on the day.  All equipment will be provided, so you only need to wear comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing and sturdy shoes. 

Whether you can spare half an hour or the full session, we’d appreciate whatever time you’re able to give. 

Can’t join on the day? 

You can still take part in a way that works for you, for example, you might choose to pick up litter near your home, clear a small patch of weeds outside your block, or tidy a local green space at a time that suits you. 

Staying safe 

If you’re litter picking, here are some practical safety tips from Keep Britain Tidy:  

  • Wear heavy-duty gloves and if possible use a litter picker – don’t pick up rubbish with your bare hands.  
  • Let someone know where you’re going and when you expect to be back if you’re out on your own. 
  • Stick to daylight hours and areas that feel safe and accessible. 
  • Avoid busy roads, steep banks, water edges, or areas where you’re unsure about safety. Never enter water or tackle areas with fast-flowing currents.  
  • Bring a bag to collect what you find and separate recycling where you can. Dispose of it responsibly – don’t leave tied bags by bins without permission.  
  • If you come across sharp items, drug-related waste or anything that looks hazardous, please do not touch it. Make a note of the location and report it to your local council so it can be removed safely. 

More litter-picking safety advice is available on the Keep Britain Tidy essentials page. 

You can find out more about how resident feedback has shaped neighbourhood plans on the Neighbourhood Plans page on Settle Connect.  

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