Volunteers from local businesses joined forces with National Highways to clean up a section of the Norfolk coast.
Teams from businesses including National Highways and GRAHAM scaled the waterfront of tourist hot spot Gorleston-on-Sea in a day of action for the environment, collecting 22 bags of litter.
With its popular sea front of fish and chop shops, sweet stalls and ice cream vendors, bins fill up fast at this time of year, much to the delight of the locals – the sea gulls!
Indeed, according to local residents it’s not just people that drop litter – the gulls pull waste from bins and scatter it across the promenade and nearby residential streets.
Dean Birch, supplier relations manager at National Highways, was one of those taking part in the day of action.
He said: “It was great to see so many people from a number of organisations come out to help clean up the beach which is used by so many – including the gulls! It is a shame to see the amount of litter both on our roads and surrounding areas and we urge people to put their rubbish in bins or take it home with them.”
This litter pick was originally planned as part of the Great British Spring Clean, however due to bad British weather it was postponed and successfully rearranged for this month.
The key aim of this effort, involving 22 volunteers from seven businesses, was to maintain a shared commitment to protecting the environment.
By removing discarded waste:
- Wildlife hazards are reduced
- Pollution entering the sea is minimised
- Public spaces remain clean, enjoyable, and safe
National Highways’ supply chain partners actively support the communities they operate in. National Highways not only manages the major A roads in the area, but it also has a big presence in Norfolk – undertaking some major dualling projects along the A47.
Lynsey Harris, GRAHAM – Social Impact Business Partner said:
“As I took part for the third year, I was proud to once again represent GRAHAM. Each year reinforces our commitment to strengthening communities, supporting positive environmental action, and leading by example. Being involved in this initiative reflects not only my personal passion, but also GRAHAM’s dedication to creating meaningful, long lasting social impact.”
The Great British Spring Clean campaign took place from 13 to 29 March, and while National Highways’ contractors clear litter on motorways and a small number of A roads, litter on the majority of A roads falls on local authorities to clear, and in order that it can be collected safely National Highways also teams up with councils to co-ordinate any necessary closures.
People can find out for more information about the company’s litter strategy on its web page, while maintenance issues can be reported to National Highways on the Report a Problem web page or by calling 0300 123 5000.
Find out more about National Highways social value work on the website.
