Ponteland Anti-Litter Squad making its mark in the community
An environmental group is making its mark in the community by clearing a large amount of rubbish over the last few years.
At its recent AGM, Ponteland Anti-Litter Squad (PALS) chair Jane Hodson-Hamilton revealed that an impressive 1,418kg of litter was collected between April 2025 and March 2026, up from 620kg the year before.
The group recovered more than 3,700 cans, 2,900 plastic bottles, 1,000 glass bottles and 460 vapes.
Jane said: “I started an informal litter picking group in 2023 with a few friends and like-minded environmentalists with the aim of making a difference in the community and to save local wildlife from the impact of litter.
Since forming the voluntary community association in 2024, I have been bowled over by the enthusiasm and good will of the wonderful volunteers who have joined our group. From a handful in 2023, we have grown to an enthusiastic membership of 50 plus.
“What we have collected in 12 months ought to shock the whole community. To help illustrate this, we created an AI generated image of what 1418 kilos of litter would look like if stacked in front of Ponteland Pele Tower. It should give people pause for thought.
“We ask people to dispose of food wrappers, drinks containers, cigarette butts and vapes responsibly. We want a cleaner and greener Ponteland for the sake of our children and the safety of threatened local wildlife.
“People will see the group out and about in PALS hi-vis vests on the third Sunday of each month and at times in between as our members undertake solo litter picks and other important environmental work.
“We receive many words of thanks and encouragement from the public, who are invited to join us. Look out for our public notices and please visit our Facebook and TikTok pages.”
The group has continued its educational outreach and environmental work with local schools, Duke of Edinburgh awards participants, staff from Newcastle International Airport and with the Darras Hall Estate Committee during the spring brashing of the site of special scientific interest.