ECO-CONSCIOUS youngsters in Kidderminster have signed up to an environmental project.

Franche Primary School is the first in the area to join Wyre Forest District Council’s Adopt a Street scheme which supports communities to reduce litter.

After taking part in Earth Day, members of the school’s eco council decided they would like to make an ongoing commitment to keeping their community clean and tidy.

Charlotte Lenton, a class teacher and the eco lead at the Chestnut Grove school, said: “We decided to join in as litter picking introduces children to the concept of environmental responsibility from an early age.

“Our children take pride in their surroundings and want to make sure it is a clean, welcoming space for all. We are loving playing our part in keeping our community clean and making a difference.”

More than 200 streets have already been adopted.

The scheme is open to residents, community groups, schools and businesses.

Volunteers let the council know the area they wish to adopt and are provided with litter picking equipment, bags and health and safety information.

The Adopt a Street scheme does not replace the service the council offers but complements existing street cleaning across the district.

The council is also investing money to create a litter blitz squad to help tackle rubbish across the district.

Councillor Ben Brookes, the district council’s cabinet member for operational services, has adopted the street where he lives.

He said: “Many thanks to Franche Primary School for joining in our scheme. We really appreciate it.

“The children understand that they’re doing their bit for the environment and their community.

“As a council, we want the district to be a clean, safe and green place to live, work and visit and we are still carrying out our litter picking and street cleaning duties.

“Involving residents in litter picking is one of the ways we can work together and make a difference.”

Anyone who signs up to Adopt a Street makes a commitment to litter pick the chosen area at least three times a year.

Litter collected can be put in black bins but if this cannot be done the council can arrange for it to be collected.

There is more information on the Adopt a Street webpage at www.wyreforestdc.gov.uk.