Launched in February 2016 by resident David Collumbell, after seeing the success of neighbouring group, Brighter Uckfield, Brighter Crowborough is a growing band of like-minded volunteers who want to keep the streets, paths, hedgerows, waterways and woodlands free of litter.
They meet up on Sunday mornings from 9am, alternating between the Croft Road car park and the railway station car park and are always happy to welcome new volunteers.
Brighter Crowborough have received much support from the local community and local businesses (Coppards, Jarvis Brew, Guest’s Shoes) who support the team with provision of equipment and funding so they can continue on their mission of making Crowborough a cleaner place to live. The Town Council have also made donations as they recognise the great work being done around the area.
Their work does not just stop at picking up litter but they also clean road signs, plant up pots at the railway station and mow the grass area.
Brighter Crowborough are interested in anyone who wants to join them, whether it’s every Sunday or a Sunday every now and then. You could of course end up having the urge to do it every day. “It does come a little obsessive, I, like others in the group, often go out and do a little litter picking at any given time! “ said David.
The group have been nominated twice for the Waitrose green token scheme and the Crowborough Chamber of Commerce chose them as their nominated charity at the annual town summer fayre in 2017, presenting the group with a very healthy sum.
The Crowborough Town Council now contacts Brighter Crowborough after specific events (firework display, summer fayres etc.) to request assistance in a tidy up. Sometimes a resident will contact the group to clear a specific area which has been noticed as a problem.
If you’d like to come along, either as a one off or with a view to becoming a regular of the team, Brighter Crowborough have registered for the great ‘Keep Britain Tidy’ event for the weekend of 3/4 March, meeting both days at 9am at Chapel Green. All equipment necessary will be supplied, the group have public liability insurance and all they are looking for is enthusiasm. Both days will finish at 11am at the White Hart who will be providing free teas/coffees to the volunteers.
To find out more, call David on 07952 133 983 or email hello@brightercrowborough.co.uk. You can keep up to date with all the team’s action by following their regularly updated facebook page @brightercrowborough or visit the website www.brightercrowborough.co.uk.
