GUTSY litter pickers say they will go ahead with a town spring clean event in Halstead tomorrow, despite the nation being in lockdown.

The Halstead in Bloom team is dedicated to improving and maintaining the town’s appearance, regularly hosting litter picking events.

Their next event, which is due to be held this Sunday, is also part of the Great British Spring Clean campaign by the Keep Britain Tidy charity.

Christine Laurence, a Halstead in Bloom organiser, said: “Halstead in Bloom are hosting a litter-picking event on Sunday as part of Keep Britain Tidy’s Great British Spring Clean.

“The aim of this nationwide campaign is to transform our country for the better, creating cleaner streets, parks and beaches, protecting our wildlife and, ultimately, stopping the tide of plastic that is doing so much damage to our oceans and marine life.

“Over half a million volunteers from all over the country sign up to the spring clean each year and Halstead in Bloom are keen to do their part too.”

“So if you love where you live and want to help to keep the town of Halstead clean and tidy, come and join us.”

There was uncertainty over whether the event would go ahead after the Government’s decision to put the country in lockdown.

Group secretary Julia Smith said: “It will go on this Sunday but everyone will be encouraged to litter pick their own particular area.

“Christine will be at Sainsbury Car Park at 10.30 if anyone needs collecting bags or litter sticks and, of course, they must follow current government directives.

“Following all the latest directives we feel that we should say that if people want to take their daily exercise by litter-picking in their local area that will help the town.

“It’s people on their own or in family groups only – Halstead in Bloom will not have team meetings for the time being but Halstead in Bloom goes on.”