THE ‘Bin it for Good’ campaign which has encouraged people to bin their litter and raised money for Winsford-based charities at the same time, raised almost £500.

Launched earlier this year, the three-month anti-litter initiative - which is a partnership between Cheshire West and Chester Council, The Wrigley Company and Keep Britain Tidy - aimed to change behaviour while turning cleaner streets into cash for charities and good causes.

Cllr Karen Shore, the council’s cabinet member for environment, said: “We can’t keep cleaning up after those who litter - the only way to tackle littering is to change people’s behaviour.

“The cost of cleansing streets and parks totals £1 billion a year across England for local authorities. This is money that could be better spent elsewhere, on social care, libraries and our parks and recreation. “The Bin it for Good project supports the council’s work to improve the quality of our local areas. Our Street Care Pledge sets out a shared commitment with local residents to maintain a clean and attractive environment.”

The ‘Bin it for Good’ charity pot logo was proudly displayed on designated public bins around Winsford.

The more litter that went into these charity pot bins, instead of on the ground, the more money the featured charity received. Cotswold House received £100, the Salvation Army received £285 and the Winsford Sensations Dance Group received £100.

Maria Byrne, the council’s director of place operations, said: “I’m delighted that local charities have benefited from this innovative campaign. The learning from this project will hopefully inspire some similar campaigns in the future.”