Bringing the Community Together for a Cleaner Sutton on Sea
Residents and members of the local community shared concerns about the condition of the area. The build-up of waste was affecting how people felt about their neighbourhood, and some customers explained they were experiencing personal challenges that made it difficult to dispose of larger or unwanted items properly. It was clear that additional support and a collective effort were needed to address the issue and restore pride in the community.
What we asked
We asked residents to remove any unwanted waste from the area, as discarded items and fly-tipping were having a negative impact on the neighbourhood. By encouraging people to clear rubbish and use the appropriate disposal routes, we aimed to help create a cleaner, safer and more welcoming environment for everyone who lives there.
What we did to help deliver immediate and ongoing change:
At the end of last year, Platform teamed up with residents and local councillors to deliver a successful community clean-up in Sutton on Sea, Lincolnshire.
The event focused on St Clement’s Close, where colleagues from across Platform joined forces with local people to improve and restore the communal space.
Despite wet and windy weather, the group worked energetically throughout the morning, litter-picking, clearing waste and speaking with residents. By midday, more than a skip full of rubbish had been removed, with additional trips arranged to keep the momentum going.
The impact was immediate. Residents responded positively and welcomed the support, with many getting involved on the day and sharing ideas about how to maintain the area going forward.
Platform’s Localities Operations Manager, Rebecca Dawson, said: “The impact was immediate and the feedback from residents has been incredibly positive. It was fantastic to see people not just welcoming the support but also getting involved and discussing how to keep things looking their best in the future.”
The clean-up became more than a one-off tidy-up. It demonstrated the power of partnership and placemaking, bringing together teams from housing, repairs and community engagement alongside residents to deliver meaningful change and strengthen local relationships.
The event also reflects Platform’s Communities Connected programme, which supports hands-on neighbourhood initiatives that make a real difference - from local clean-ups to wellbeing activities - helping to build stronger, more connected communities.
