THE Great British Spring Clean is about to get underway and the council is urging residents to make a difference by helping to clean up the city.

The national event, which runs from March 2 to 4, aims to inspire people to get together with neighbours and friends to pick up litter.

City of York Council and York BID are encouraging community groups, businesses and residents to get involved with events across the city. Officers will be handing out litter picking equipment and collecting bags of waste from prearranged meeting points.

Cllr Andrew Waller, deputy leader of the council and executive member for the environment, said: “By working together as litter heroes, community groups, businesses and individuals can make a huge difference to the appearance of their local area.

“We know that the vast majority of York residents take a real pride in their local area and want to help to keep it litter free. The Great British Spring Clean is a great opportunity to get stuck in with your neighbours and colleagues and make a real difference to your local area.”

Seventeen litter picks are currently planned across the city and the council is hoping more groups will sign up ahead of the event.

Andrew Lowson, executive director of the York BID, said: “We all know how important it is to keep the city clean for the businesses who operate here, the residents who call it home, and the millions of visitors we host every year.

“We are proud to be part of a wider team that aims to keep York as clean and attractive as possible and the Great British Spring Clean is a brilliant way for people across the city to get involved.”

To organise a litter pick, or join an existing group, visit york.gov.uk/GBspringclean or call 01904 551551.