A COMMUNITY litter-picking scheme and the Wyre Forest Rangers have been shortlisted in the 2025 Association for Public Service Excellence (APSE) Awards, writes Jeanna Karcz.
Adopt a Street, which is in the running for the Best Community and Neighbourhood accolade, encourages people to help keep their local area looking clean and tidy, running alongside the council’s street cleaning service.
People sign up to the scheme and can then access free litter-picking equipment and bags to help them keep their chosen area pristine.
The Wyre Forest Rangers, shortlisted in the ‘Best Service Team: Parks, Grounds and Horticultural’ category, play a massive role in conserving, managing and enchancing 654 acres of the district’s landscape.
The small team oversees three Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs) and 14 Local Nature Reserves (LNRs) and enhances the experience of those who visit them.
They also provide an environmental education service and look for opportunities to enhance the district’s natural environment.
The APSE Service Awards are open to all local authorities and their public sector partners across the country, rewarding excellent frontline services and special schemes.
Coun Tracey Onslow, Wyre Forest District Council Cabinet Member for Culture, Leisure, Arts and Community Safety, said: “We are extremely proud to be shortlisted in two categories for this year’s APSE Service Awards.
“It is great recognition for both our offices and volunteers who work tirelessly on our Adopt a Street scheme, which makes a real difference in the district.
“It is also a testament to the hard work and dedication of our fantastic team of rangers, who make sure our sites are maintained for biodiversity, community enjoyment and future generations.”
The winners of the APSE Service Awards will be announced in September.
Visit wyreforestdc.gov.uk/adoptastreet for more information on the Adopt a Street scheme or ways to get involved.
Go to wyreforestdc.gov.uk/rangers for more information on the ranger service.
