FROM the north to the south, east to the west, residents of Suffolk Coastal will be out in full force with their gloves and bags tackling the mess left by litterbugs.

FROM the north to the south, east to the west, residents of Suffolk Coastal will be out in full force with their gloves and bags tackling the mess left by litterbugs.

Nearly 40 groups, parish and town councils, schools, clubs and individuals have so far signed up for this year's annual spring clean of the district.

They will receive support from the council as they work to clean up village greens, school grounds and surrounding areas, footpaths, public open spaces, beaches, bye-ways and minor lanes and roads.

For a number of years Suffolk Coastal has supported groups and individual residents who have taken part in the national litter-pick campaign promoted by Environmental Campaigns (ENCams), and this spring it is again supplying sacks and gloves and taking away the collected litter.

"The annual spring clean has become a regular activity within our district with groups and individuals helping to clean up our beaches, opens spaces, play areas and paths as well as areas that are not usually covered by the council's cleansing service such as school playgrounds and village hall car parks", said Deborah Robinson, Suffolk Coastal's director of environmental services.

"This spring clean partnership is a very practical way for people to show their support for a clean environment as well as making our district more attractive for residents and tourists.

"Anyone who would like to participate can contact their parish or town council, or Suffolk Coastal for details of events in their area.

"I would also hope that everyone will take note of these excellent volunteer efforts and think again about dropping litter, or dumping unwanted items. Keeping this district looking clean and green is important to everyone who lives in or visits our area."

To register an event, organisers should contact Suffolk Coastal's public health and waste management section on 01394 444303 or email john.finch@suffolkcoastal.gov.uk.

Suffolk Coastal's clean up is an annual spring time event, but if groups would like to undertake litter picks at other times of the year, ENCams provides, free of charge, clean up kits all through the year.

These kits contain guidelines, tabards, badges, posters, bin bags and discount vouchers for litter picking items. The kits are available via their website, www.encams.org/cleanup or by ringing 01603 766559.

n Litter picking events people can join:

April 18, Aldeburgh Yacht Club – Aldeburgh sea wall and beach; April 22, Bucklesham Primary School – school grounds and surrounding area; April 23, Orwell Park School – Nacton village and foreshore; April 26, Martlesham Parish Council – Martlesham village; April 26, Snape Parish Council – Snape roads, footpaths and common land; April 26, Trimley St Mary Parish Council – Stannets playing field and village areas; April 26, Cratfield Parish Council – Cratfield village; April 26, Nacton Parish Council – Nacton village; April 26 and 27, Benhall & Sternfield Parish Council – village green, opens spaces, verges; May 6, Nacton Primary School – school grounds; May 10, Saxmundham Town Council and Saxmundham (Anglia) in Bloom – various areas of the town; May 19, Bramfield Primary School – school ground, village hall car parking area,