Paul Reeves
Cleanup Champion (Basildon)
I'm Paul, Cleanup Champion for Basildon.
I moved to Basildon in 1986 and was struck by the lack of litter in the area. Forty years later I am now leading by example to encourage others to come out and work together to clear the litter that now infests our streets & parks and once again foster pride in our local community.
I took early retirement in 2016 and started litter-picking and was soon organising large litter-picking events involving volunteer litter-picking groups across Basildon. In 2023 Basildon Council awarded me with the Alf Dove Award for my contribution to the local community in that role. I also became the unpaid Chairman of a registered charity that donates Teddy Bears to Children’s A&E Departments across Essex.
My time is spent fundraising for the Teddy Bear charity and litter picking; often accompanied by my aptly named dog, ‘Teddy’. I have helped to form volunteer groups in other parts of the town and hope to achieve 100% coverage during this year.
I am committed to encouraging local residents to come out and spend time with other like-minded people and enjoy the camaraderie of a local litter pick.