First up is Everton North Litter Network which is headed up by Litter Heroes Ambassador James Coates and supported by a dedicated group of litter-pickers.
In the heart of Liverpool, the Everton North Litter Network began its journey in 2023/24 with a clear mission: to combat litter in the Everton North Ward. Kickstarted by Councillor Portia Fahey from Liverpool City Council, this grassroots effort has rapidly grown, bringing together a diverse volunteer base from various local organisations and dedicated residents.
What started as a general clean-up effort has now evolved to focus on a critical challenge: alleyways suffering from high levels of crime, fly-tipping, littering, and overgrowth. The Rydal Street alleyway was chosen as the pilot project, becoming a beacon of hope for what a united community can achieve.
Everton North Litter NetworkIt’s about being the change they want to see, ultimately creating a neighbourhood that is safe, clean, and vibrant for everyone to live, work, and visit.
A significant takeaway from the growth of the Everton North Litter Network is the successful embedding of ‘capacity building’ into their delivery model. This approach empowers local residents to take ownership of their own micro-communities, fostering a deeper connection to where they live. It’s about being the change they want to see, ultimately creating a neighbourhood that is safe, clean, and vibrant for everyone to live, work, and visit.
The success of the Litter Network is a testament to strong partnerships and collaborative spirit. Key stakeholders include:
- Alley Angels
- Green Angels
- Homebaked Community Land Trust
- Barclays Bank
- Anfield Improvement District
- The Breckfield Centre
- Liverpool City Council
- Keep Britain Tidy
- Riverside Housing
- Merseyside Police
- And, most importantly, local residents who are the heart of the movement.
The Rydal Street Alleyway pilot project has already yielded impressive results:
- 111 Bags of litter collected by the Everton North Litter Network.
- 35 Volunteers from the public, private, and charitable sectors contributed their time and effort.
- 35 delicious Homebaked pies were enjoyed, fueling the volunteers!
- Green Angels tackled the overgrowth blocking the alleyway.
- Fly-tipping was cleared by Alley Angels.
- 40 winter pansies were planted by Barclays, adding a touch of beauty.
- Surrounding streets were also litter-picked by the Tuesday Team.
- A remarkable 140 volunteer hours were dedicated to the project.
- 10 planters were painted, brightening the space.
- A picnic bench was generously donated and installed by Keep Britain Tidy, creating a new communal space.
The Everton North Litter Network has ambitious plans for the future of Rydal Street and beyond:
- Plant 40 Summer pansies to further enhance the alleyway's appeal.
- Gain permission from the landowner to cut back a plot and fence it off, preventing future issues.
- Invite the Lord Mayor to cut the ribbon at a family celebration event, complete with pies and alley games, as part of officially handing over the space to the newly formed Rydal Street Residents Association.
This inspiring case study for Volunteer Celebration Week showcases how dedicated volunteers, empowered by a clear mission and strong partnerships, can transform neglected spaces into vibrant community assets, fostering pride and connection one clean alleyway at a time.
*originally published 29/05/2025*