Members of the Pleck Picking Posse, the Ahmadiyya Muslim Youth Association, and Walsall Council joined forces on Sunday 25 January 2026 to clean Southbourne Avenue and surrounding side roads in Walsall.

A total of 37 volunteers, including children and young people, took part in the two-hour clean-up. Alongside the 80 bags of litter collected, several instances of fly-tipping were also identified and reported for follow-up action.

“ This is community spirit at its very best.

Despite a cold and gloomy morning, residents came together to take pride in their neighbourhood, and we are incredibly grateful to everyone who gave up their time to help.

It was particularly encouraging to see so many children and young people involved. Their enthusiasm and commitment set a brilliant example and show how small actions can make a real difference. Local residents were so appreciative that they even insisted on making a small donation for the youngest volunteers, which was unanimously agreed should be spent on sweets! A well-deserved treat for a fantastic effort. “

Councillor Suky Samra, Portfolio Holder for Street Scene at Walsall Council

Each month, Walsall Council supports three organised community litter-picking events. The schedule for February/March 2026 is listed below:

February

• Monday 9 February 2026. 10am – 12pm. Birchills (Reedswood Park)
• Tuesday 17 February 2026. 10am – 12pm. Willenhall (Bentley Haye)
• Saturday 21 February 2026. 10am – 12pm. Blakenall (Leckie Road)

March  

• Monday 2 March 2026. 10am – 12pm. Caldmore.
• Sunday 15 March 2026. 10am – 12pm. Aldridge Road.
• Friday 20 March 2026. 10am – 12pm. Moxley (Moorcroft Wood)

Additional litter-picks will be arranged for March as part of the Great British Spring Clean initiative. 

To help make litter picking as easy as possible, Walsall Council can provide hi-vis jackets, litter pickers, gloves and bags to residents.       

Volunteers can also collect litter-picking bags or return unused equipment every Wednesday between 10am and 3pm at Walsall Council’s Environmental Depot, 200 Pelsall Road, Brownhills, WS8 7EN. 

Parking is available via Apex Road for visitors or in the larger car park off Pelsall Road. 

The council’s delivery and collection service for bags and equipment remains available, with the depot providing an additional, convenient option for volunteers. 

Information on how to volunteer, groups to get involved with and how to request equipment can all be found at: https://go.walsall.gov.uk/people-and-communities/volunteering/community-litter-picking

A Facebook page which helps members to connect and arrange their own events can be found at Walsall Community Litter Watch.