Conservative MP for Pendle Andrew Stephenson is encouraging residents and businesses to pledge to do their bit to clear up the litter that blights the borough.

The Great British Spring Clean campaign, from March 17 to April 2, brings together individuals, community organisations, businesses and councils to make a difference to the environment.

The charity, Keep Britain Tidy is keen to stress litter-picking can be accessible to everybody with the right resources.

Mr Stephenson, who was reselected to be the candidate in the next General Election, is calling on residents to show pride in their area by pledging on Keep Britain Tidy’s website to pick a bag or more of litter.

As well as being good for the environment, 85 per cent of the people who took part in last year’s campaign said they felt more pride for their local area, and 71 per cent of participants felt more a part of their local community.

Mr Stephenson said: “I was pleased to join Keep Britain Tidy to launch this year’s Great British Spring Clean campaign. I know how concerned so many Pendle residents are about our environment and littering.

“Getting involved in the Great British Spring Clean campaign is an excellent way to make a difference to our local area, so I would encourage lots of people to get involved.”

As well as polluting streets, parks and beaches, litter harms wildlife, domestic pets and cattle. Between 2019 and 2020, the RSPCA dealt with 8,092 calls concerning animals being injured due to litter – an average of 11 incidents per day.

Keep Britain Tidy’s chief executive, Allison Ogden-Newton OBE, said: “We are so grateful for the ongoing support from Andrew and his constituents.

“Now into its eighth year, the Great British Spring Clean is a fantastic way for people to really show their pride in where they live, and connect with like-minded residents, while taking serious and immediate action to protect the environment on their doorstep.

“During this year’s campaign, we are calling on everyone to show #PrideinPlace and help us harness the power of collective environmental action by taking on the #BigBagChallenge.

“It’s inspiring to see so many councils have made a commitment this year to support this vital call to action to protect our environment.

“Whether it’s a pledge to pick one bag or 50, we hope all of our MPs feel proud to see armies of #LitterHeroes volunteers carrying out these acts of kindness to make their constituency a cleaner, safer place for our future generations."