Alan Sitkin is encouraging other “retirees” and those with spare time to do their bit for the environment

A former councillor fed up with seeing litter around Enfield is hoping to launch a borough-wide clean-up campaign.

Alan Sitkin, who was a cabinet member for economic development prior to 2018, says he doesn’t blame the current Labour administration for the amount of litter on the streets but hopes to work constructively with the council to tackle to the problem.

“In an ideal world, local authorities would have the funds to employ extensive litter-picking teams, but that’s not the world we live in,” Alan explained.

“Much of Enfield and the country is plagued by rubbish everywhere. It’s bad for the environment, bad for society.”

Using his contacts at the council Alan requested some litter-picking equipment and is now regularly going out and about to fill up sacks with any urban detritus he comes across.

Alan, who is retired, hopes to inspire other local people with some spare time on their hands to get involved and has organised an initial community litter-picking session in Winchmore Hill next month. But he’s also encouraging those unable to attend on specific dates to go litter-picking in their own time – and he can loan them equipment if they need it.

Alan said: “Myself, along with more and more members of the public – especially young retirees with time on their hands – no longer wish to politicise the crisis and have decided instead to roll our sleeves up and clean the streets ourselves.

“The council is doing what it can to support this new volunteer army by providing us with pickers and bags.”

The first big community session on Sunday, 1^st December, from 11am, is starting at one of the entrances to Grovelands Park, at the corner of Park View and Park Gate. The event is also being supported by Southgate councillor Chris Joannides.

It’s then hoped to hold big sessions at least every quarter, but with solo efforts in-between supported by the council’s loaned equipment.

Alan said: “I drive around and all I see is rubbish, rubbish, rubbish, so I just decided to do something about it.

“It’s a great new hobby which I know other residents are getting into. You choose a time slot that suits your own schedule – enjoy podcasts streamed through your headphones – and end up with a great sense of accomplishment after picking up the mess.”

Anyone who wishes to get involved can contact Alan via email on [email protected]

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