South Shields group praised for branching out to help keep park clean

Beavers who busied away to keep a park clean and green have been championed for their efforts.
The deputy mayor and mayoress of South Tyneside, Councillor Olive Punchion and Mary French, with the Beavers leader, Lynn Curtin and the chairman of the Friends of West Park, Councillor Norman Dick.The deputy mayor and mayoress of South Tyneside, Councillor Olive Punchion and Mary French, with the Beavers leader, Lynn Curtin and the chairman of the Friends of West Park, Councillor Norman Dick.
The deputy mayor and mayoress of South Tyneside, Councillor Olive Punchion and Mary French, with the Beavers leader, Lynn Curtin and the chairman of the Friends of West Park, Councillor Norman Dick.

The 22nd South Shields Beavers have been presented with certificates by the deputy mayor and mayoress of South Tyneside, Councillor Olive Punchion and Mary French, to thank them for carrying out monthly litter picks in West Park.

The colony, based at Whiteleas Community Centre in South Shields, has worked with the Friends of West Park since December.

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Members have gained their Community Impact Badge in level 1 and 2 through the clear ups, planted grass seed, cleared leaves, carried out surveys, helped to tidy up after its annual picnic and raised funds.

They have also created a woodland trail using wood chippings donated by the environmental charity Groundwork, South Tyneside and Newcastle (STAN).

Coun Punchion said: “It was a pleasure to meet the Beavers and thank them for supporting their local park by doing their bit to tackle littering within the borough.

“These young people are truly inspiring for taking such pride in their local community and giving up their spare time to get involved with the up-keep of the park.”

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Lynn Curtin, Beaver leader, said the youngsters were delighted with their certificates and added: “The children gained some great experiences and have had a lot of fun while helping out at the park.

“Seeing the park in all the different seasons has helped the Beavers to understand how much hard work goes into the upkeep for West Park all year round.

“I would like to thank the Friends of West Park for their kindness and helping the Beavers as this has been a joint partnership.

“The Beavers have received a lot of positive feedback from the public who often comment on how great it is to see young people helping out at the park.”

The friends have also recognised the work of the nearby branch of McDonald’s, which encourages staff to take part in litter picks.