The events, which included estate clean-ups, litter-picks and drop-in sessions, aimed to highlight environmental issues in the borough and show that every individual can make small changes to improve the environment.

World Environment Day is celebrated every year on 5th June in more than 100 countries. It was established by the United Nations General Assembly in 1972 to encourage worldwide awareness of the environment and to enhance political attention and action.

The theme for 2009 is climate change and the broader consequences of environmental change, and what societies can do in response. 

2010 Rotherham’s Rother Valley West neighbourhood team took part in an estate walkabout in the Wharton Avenue, Gray Avenue, Alderson Close, Aston Close and Woodlands Close areas of Aston and Swallownest.

The event included litter-picking and a general clean-up of the area. A community skip was also available for local residents to dispose of rubbish.

2010 Rotherham staff carried out tenancy verification checks as part of the event, and a drop-in session was held in 2010 Rotherham’s Community Van for residents to discuss any issues they may have. Staff also distributed energy-efficient light bulbs and passed on tips to help customers save energy and money.

In Harthill and Kiveton Park, 2010 Rotherham neighbourhood staff focussed on recycling throughout the week, visiting homes in the area and advising families on how they can reduce their waste.

The Wentworth South neighbourhood team donned their hi-vis vests on Friday to carry out litter picks with Estate Officers, covering areas of Rawmarsh, Thrybergh and East Herringthorpe. Around 30 bags of rubbish were removed by the team.

2010 Rotherham’s Environmental Improvement Manager, Neil Everest, said: “One of the core values at 2010 Rotherham is ‘Respecting the environment now and for future generations’, and World Environment Day gives us the perfect opportunity to put this into practice at a local level.

“We are also currently reviewing our Environmental Policy, by looking at what changes and improvements can be made to reduce 2010 Rotherham’s environmental impact. We would welcome the input of our customer as part of the review process.”

Customers can view the first draft of the revised Environmental Policy, as well as the existing version, at www.2010rotherham.org

If you have any comments or suggestions regarding the policy, or if you are interested in joining 2010 Rotherham’s Environmental Network, please contact Neil Everest on 01709 822246 or email neil.everest@2010rotherham.org