Press Release

Bertie Bin talks rubbish

20/09/2005
Ref: pr00072

CHP's Quality of Life Team have made litter picking more fun for children of Galleywood Infant School by giving them a talking penguin bin.

Children at the school entered a colouring competition to win the right to name the bin and Bethany Mead the winner decided to call the bin "Bertie"

Bertie can say things like: "Hello there - do you want to feed me some litter?" and "thanks for your litter"

Mrs Anthea Tilsley, Headteacher of Galleywood Infant School said, "The colouring competition to name the bin, visits from Chelmer Housing and presentation encouraged the children's 'community sprit'. They are delighted with Bertie the speaking bin, and are very excited about using it - a very worthwhile project."

Martyn Wild, Neighbourhood coordinator, CHP's Quality of Life team said: "Presenting Bertie to the school tied in well with our Galleywood zoning project - by encouraging people to keep a tidy environment. If we can get children to think about where they put their litter it will have a positive influence on the neighbourhood."

ENDS

Editor's Notes:

Zoning projects are carried out by CHP Neighbourhood co-ordinators throughout the summer. They encourage local residents to get involved with looking after their local environment while other CHP make the surrounding area more attractive by tackling litter, and graffiti areas.