Charnwood Borough Council - Leading in Leicestershire

EMPLOYEES from Charnwood Borough Council are going out and about to prove that volunteering can be blooming great!

Around 30 staff from the Authority will be swapping their pens for a spade as they aim to brighten up the Borough during a new volunteering scheme on Wednesday (16th May).

Volunteer 4 Charnwood – which is a commitment to improve and make a difference to the communities the Council serves – kicks-off with the recycling of the Authority’s old bedding plants from roundabouts and grass verges.

Up to 15,000 Polyanthus and Bellis plants will be placed in empty flowerbeds in the Warwick Way estate, the Hut in Ashby Road, Loughborough, and Sileby.

Volunteers will also be delivering the plants to groups in Loughborough and Shepshed.

Most of the Polyanthus and Bellis plants still have flowers on them but residents will see them in their full glory at the beginning of next year when they bloom again.

Volunteers will also be harvesting almost 25,000 bulbs that have been dug up and they will then be re-planted in the Autumn in the second phase of the scheme.

Cllr Richard Shepherd, the leader of the ruling Conservative group at Charnwood Borough Council, said: “I think this is a very exciting initiative and it’s great that it’s taking place.

“I hope the weather stays fine and I would really like to thank all those that have kindly volunteered.

“It’s good that Charnwood staff want to improve the appearance of the Borough. It will also give the public the chance to mention one or two things to our volunteers when they are out and about.”

Brian Hayes, the Chief Executive of Charnwood Borough Council, added: “People have said they want to make a difference to the local communities and this scheme is a great way for them to get involved and give their skills and effort to a good cause.

“I’m even keen to be getting out there myself.”

This is the first scheme for Volunteer 4 Charnwood but staff are keen to speak to community groups throughout the Borough who would like to offer them a challenge.

All ideas will be fully considered and Charnwood employees will do their best to help out as many as possible but cannot guarantee helping out every idea submitted.

If you have a scheme that Charnwood Borough Council’s team of volunteers can help with, please contact Karlie Thompson, the Authority’s Head of Communications, Consultation and Partnerships on (01509) 634 517 or email karlie.thompson@charnwood.gov.uk