‘Clean for the Queen’ is encouraging teams of people, including local councils, to take part in ‘the most monumental of all litter clear-ups’. It will take place nationally from Friday, March 4 to Sunday, March 6.
The initiative also asks authorities to encourage community groups and schools to organise a clean-up through its website — CleanForTheClean.co.uk
Launceston Town Council agreed to support the campaign at its meeting last week.
Cllr Dave Gordon said: “I think it’s a brilliant idea to get the community involved in litter picking. I’ve already received initial ideas from local businesses. I spoke to a school this morning happy to get involved with it.
“I think the town could be clean in one day if there is sufficient support for it.”
A show of hands by fellow town councillors indicated all would volunteer to help ‘clean up for the Queen’.
Cllr Gordon told the Post a meeting was due to take place this week to discuss the details further, with more information to follow.
Following the town council meeting last week, Cllr Gordon said St Catherine’s School wished to support the campaign — the school has pledged to clean the school grounds, Grammars Park, St John’s Road and Moorland Road.
Volunteers interested in helping ‘Clean for the Queen’ are invited to contact the town council by calling 01566 773693, emailing [email protected] or calling into the town council offices, situated in the town hall. Alternatively they can email Cllr Gordon on [email protected]
A beacon is to be lit at the town’s Coronation Park on the Queen’s birthday, April 21, to mark the milestone. The time is yet to be confirmed.
There are also hopes to host a big street party in the town in June.
The Queen’s 90th birthday party will be held on June 12 in The Mall, Westminster, and it is hoped the celebrations could be streamed live to Launceston Town Square.
Cllr Val Bugden-Cawsey, president of St Stephen’s by Launceston WI, told the meeting: “Following on from the success of the public event held last year in the town hall for the centenary of the WI, I had an idea we ought to do something on the official birthday of Her Majesty.”
She said the provisional idea, in conjunction with Town?Square Events, would be a street party in the square and Westgate Street, with entertainment for children.
Cllr Hogan said: “There has been a working group set up which involves Cllr Bugden-Cawsey, myself, the mayoress, and another lady from the WI. What we are doing at the moment is raising funds with the intention of putting on some events in June.
“Watch this space. First of all we need to get some money behind us.”
Camelford will also be ‘cleaning for the Queen’ — town mayor Cllr Rob Rotchell said town councillors, Scouts, Brownies and Guides will be getting involved. The plan is to clean the river from Enfield Park to Fenteroon Bridge.
On Sunday, June 12, Camelford will also hold a street tea party, and there are plans for Camelford Young Farmers to light a beacon on top of Roughtor. Cllr Rotchell said more details on all the activities would follow in due course.
Holsworthy Town Council hopes to discuss any potential plans for the Queen’s birthday at its meeting on Wednesday, February 3.
• A request for a grant towards a Queen’s birthday community party in Helstone was turned down by Camelford town councillors at their recent meeting.
The request for £137 was received and considered by the council, but concern was raised at a possible ‘split’ in the parish.
Cllr Louise Dean asked how many areas were in the Camelford patch, adding that everyone could start asking.
Cllr Andy Shaw said: “I can’t support this because it seems to split the two communities.”
Mayor Rob Rotchell said the council would have to judge the application on its own merits, but questioned whether the precept money that is managed on behalf of the whole town should be used.
Cllr Kirsty Ferguson suggested that the Helstone residents could be invited to the town’s events to commemorate the birthday.
It was proposed by Cllr Dean to refuse the grant application. Cllr Shirley Goodman seconded and all councillors voted in favour.