Amidst the celestial wonder of the Astropark at Armagh Observatory and Planetarium, the pupils of St Malachy’s PS in Armagh brought their own star-quality to help protect planet Earth.
The pupils who were guided by their teachers and staff from the Planetarium, got their gloves and hi-viz jackets on for the Big Spring Clean event, during which they collected an assortment of litter from the popular outdoor facility.
This year, Armagh Observatory and Planetarium are holding five litter-pick events for the annual Big Spring Clean campaign, which is organised by Live Here Love Here, with the support of Armagh City, Banbridge & Craigavon (ABC) Borough Council.
Lord Mayor of ABC Borough, Alderman Stephen Moutray came along to lend his support to the event. He said: “The Big Spring Clean is a very important initiative and it was great to meet the eager pupils of St Malachy’s Primary School who brought much enthusiasm when carrying out their litter pick.
“This initiative is having a positive impact on the mindsets of our young people, who are taking pride in where they live, play and go to school and I hope they serve as an inspiration to all generations as we work towards a cleaner, greener environment.”
Michael Burton who is the Director of Armagh Observatory and Planetarium said: “We have a beautiful Astropark here, with the environment, the nature, the ecology and we also have a lot of visitors to the park too… so it is great to have all this help here today to keep our park tidy.”
Pupils from St Patrick’s PS in Armagh have also taken part in a Big Spring Clean event at the Planetarium.
Volunteers across the ABC Borough are being urged to give their support to the community clean-up events which are being organised by our local schools, sports clubs, community and church groups. Smaller groups of family and friends can also organise their very own litter pick events.
ABC Council provide litter pickers, gloves, bags and hi-vis vests and waste collected on the day can be disposed of in household bins or clean-up organisers can arrange collection of the waste in advance of the event by calling their local Council depot.
Throughout the Big Spring Clean campaign, the council will be reminding the public of the £120 fixed penalties fine for littering and £400 fines for fly-tipping, as well as potential legal action.
If you would like to become involved with a clean-up, please contact Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council on 0300 0300 900 or email for further information.
To find out about events happening in your area, or even to organise your own litter pick, please visit – https://liveherelovehere.org/bigspringclean
