Essex Freemasons launch new Community Litter Hub in partnership with CleanupUK

From the banks of the Thames to the east coast, volunteers across Essex are stepping up their efforts to tackle litter, restore public spaces, and boost local pride. A major boost to this work was announced this week with the opening of a new Essex Community Litter Hub, created in partnership with CleanupUK.

Based at the Essex Freemasons office in Wickford, the hub provides a central point of support for volunteer groups and residents taking part in litter-picking and environmental clean-ups. It forms part of CleanupUK’s national network of community litter centres and represents a significant step forward for the local community, encouraging year-round volunteering, supporting groups such as the Wickford Wombles, and strengthening grassroots community action.

To mark the launch, event organiser Paul Reeves, an Essex Freemason, was joined by David Barton, Essex Freemasons’ Community Lead, along with volunteers from local masonic lodges, for a clean-up across sites in Shotgate and Rawreth.

In just 500 metres of roadside, the team collected:

45 bags of rubbish (around 180kg)

Two broken-open safes, a damaged electronic till, and assorted wood, metal, and concrete (around 100kg)

12 nitrous oxide cylinders, added to the 12 already collected earlier by a local Wickford Womble (52kg total)

Much of the waste had been buried deep in hedgerows for years, making the clean-up a striking demonstration of the hub’s long-term value.

David Barton said: “Paul has not only brought this new hub to life, he has shown exactly why hands-on community work matters. His commitment has helped turn a simple idea into something practical that makes a real difference on the ground.”

Paul Reeves added: “In just half a kilometre, we removed more than 300kg of rubbish, including long-buried waste and hazardous materials. Clean-ups like this are vital — every session clears years of accumulated damage, protects wildlife, improves safety, and shows local people that their environment matters. This new hub will help ensure these efforts continue right across Essex.”

Discover how Freemasonry can help you make a lasting impact… Please visit: https://essexfreemasons.org.uk/join