Andy Street led a litter pick along the canals of central Birmingham at the weekend as part of a campaign to get the region looking its best ahead of the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games.

The Mayor was joined by John Crabtree, the Lord Lieutenant of the West Midlands for the litter pick at the Worcester & Birmingham Canal, from the Utilita Arena in Birmingham towards University Station. Andy said:

“This summer the eyes of the world will be on the West Midlands as we host the Commonwealth Games. With the international spotlight shining on us, we need to ensure our home is sparkling and looking its absolute best.

“The West Midlands Great Clean Up we launched last year is a wonderful way to support this mission. Whether you’re a regular litter picker or someone with an hour to give over the weekend, I’d encourage everyone who can to get involved and sign up to the Great Clean Up.”

The group – which included five Deputy Lieutenants for the West Midlands and Adnan Saif, Director for West Midlands from the Canal & River Trust – were helping to make the area clean and sparkling on Saturday as part of the Mayor’s West Midlands Great Clean Up. John Crabtree, the Lord Lieutenant of the West Midlands, added:

“This is a unique year of celebration for the region, as we mark the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee and host the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games.

“My colleagues and I were delighted to join the Mayor’s campaign to help keep Birmingham clean and tidy – and we enjoyed a wonderful canalside walk alongside some of the city’s key landmarks.”

Adnan Saif, Director for West Midlands at Canal & River Trust, said: “Across the West Midlands, we have 520 miles of canals, weaving their way through richly vibrant and culturally diverse communities and playing a central role in helping residents live a happier, healthier life. They are a major asset to the region.

“As we prepare to welcome hundreds of thousands of extra visitors to the West Midlands this year for the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games, it’s never been more important that our canals look their best. The West Midlands Great Clean Up is a fantastic way to help us do this.”

You can sign up for the West Midlands Great Clean Up online.