HUNDREDS of local people turned out to support the Environmental Action Day in Whittlesey Market Square to launch the 18-month campaign to make Fenland a cleaner, safer and greener environment. Whittlesey businesses and public sector organisations all cam

HUNDREDS of local people turned out to support the Environmental Action Day in Whittlesey Market Square to launch the 18-month campaign to make Fenland a cleaner, safer and greener environment.

Whittlesey businesses and public sector organisations all came together to spread the message, under the banner 'Be Seen to be Clean'.

The campaign began in Whittlsey but will be coming to towns and villages across Fenland over the next 18 months.

The organisers, Fenland District Council, were delighted with the public response, which reflects a local pride in the town and the surrounding environment. More than 400 people engaged in the campaign and the council handed out more than 250 tee-shirts with the slogan 'Be Seen to be Green'.

Recycling kitchen bins (called kitchen caddies) were on sale and information about responsible dog ownership was on offer from council staff. Free smoke detectors were handed out by the Fire and Rescue Service and free installation and fire safety checks were offered, too. Police officers were on hand to security mark bicycles and mobiles phones.

Information about the smoking ban to come in on 1 July 1 was given to the public and businesses and the Whittlesey Street Pride Group recruited eight new members. The Probation Service team worked hard all day clearing graffiti, flytipping and weeds as well as installing new waste bins.

Council staff from a wide range of service areas as well as organisations such as police, fire and rescue, Whittlesey Town Council, Whittlesey library, Whittlesey community centre, the probation service, Lattersey Nature Reserve and the newly-formed Whittlesey Street Pride Group, turned out in force to demonstrate the importance of protecting the environment.

Businesses also played a key role in getting the message across. Many businesses have taken measures to reduce environmental damage caused by people dumping litter and cigarette butts on the street after making purchases in their establishments. Fifteen businesses put on the tee-shirts sporting the 'Be Seen to be Clean' slogans to get the message across to their customers. Businesses were eligible for either gold, silver or bronze awards for work done to make the environment cleaner, safer and greener. Many have signed up to a voluntary code of practice to help reduce litter.

Those taking part included Whittlesey Business Forum, Somerfield Supermarket (bronze award); Kwik Save (bronze award); Cost Cutter (bronze award); Premier Kebab (bronze award); Parkers Newsagents (bronze award) USA Fried Chicken (bronze award); Bonbons (bronze award); Friar Tucks; Nisa Supermarket; The Taste of Old Traditional Bakery Ltd; Ali Kebab and the Sunshine Café.

Councillor Peter Murphy, portfolio holder for street scene and waste, said: "The people of Whittlesey have demonstrated very clearly that they value a clean and safe environment by turning out in force to support this Environmental Action Day.

"Local people and businesses as well as other public and independent bodies who took part are to be congratulated. This was a fine example of proactive people power.