A GROUP of proud residents of one seaside town have turned out to help support a big community clean up.

Over 40 people turned out to show support for the Community Clean Up organised by Maryport Business Group on August 7.

With the sole vision of cleaning up the main streets ahead of the Taste of the Sea festival, the group tackled litter and weeds on Senhouse Street, Mill Race Lonning and other key areas of the town centre.

Supported by key groups in Maryport, the big clean saw members of the Scouts, local business owners, councillors, passers-by, and those with a strong connection to the town come together to remove some 50 bags of litter and rubbish in just under two hours.

Sean Parnaby, chair of the business group said: “The people of Maryport should be proud of the area we live and work in, and with a bigger crowds expected for the Taste of the Sea festival, the business group felt the need to clean up the town ahead of the event which was well supported by many different people.”

The Business Group received support from Allerdale Council who kindly provided bags, gloves and litter pickers and Maryport Town Council who provided similar equipment.

Ellie Jones, events specialist at Allerdale Borough Council commented how great it was to see the community pulling together for a big clean up before the Taste of the Sea festival.

The total economic impact of the 2021 Taste of the Sea event at Maryport was estimated at around half a million pounds to the local economy and it’s hoped that this year’s event will build on last year’s success.

The business group were keen to ensure visitors saw the best of the town, so a quick spring clean was organised.

The army of volunteers didn’t go hungry either; thanks to Wrights Coffee, Portobello Pizza and Maryport News for feeding and watering the troops.

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