Local supermarket encourages community clean up

Colleagues from the supermarket will be taking part in the Rea’s Wood Big Spring Clean this Saturday.

Simon McNeill, store manager at Tesco in Antrim, decided to get Tesco involved when he noticed litter and debris in the wood and near Lough Neagh when he was out on a cycle in the area.

He’s now encouraging Tesco customers and more local people to get involved.

The activity was devised by Keep Northern Ireland Beautiful and is also being supported by – the Lough Neagh Partnership; the Forest Service; Live Here Love Here Northern Ireland; Six Mile Water Trust; and Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council.

Simon said: “Rea’s Wood is an area of natural beauty and it’s such a shame to see it full of litter. The debris has ended up in the wood as a result of the winter storms and it’s the first thing you notice if you’re on a walk or cycle past.

“This is a really popular area for walkers and cyclists and we’re really proud of it – but not when it looks like this.

“It’s great to see so many organisations in Antrim and Northern Ireland working together to get people involved in a community activity on this scale.

“Everyone mucking in will help us make a big difference to the area and will benefit a lot of people.”

The Rea’s Wood Big Spring Clean will begin at 10.30am on Saturday. There’s still time to register for the event. All volunteers should register with Nicola Murray at Keep Northern Ireland Beautiful.

For more information contact [email protected] or call 028 9073 6920