New City College students organise litter picks to clean up local environment

Students from New City College took to the streets around their local neighbourhoods and organised litter picks as part of the 2026 Great British Spring Clean.

The volunteers, from Rainham’s Construction and Engineering Centre in New Road, and from Havering Sixth Form in Wingletye Lane, Hornchurch, dedicated their spare time to clearing rubbish from areas surrounding their campuses.

They filled large black sacks with bottles, wrappers, cans and cardboard picked up from roadsides, pavements and grass verges. One student even picked up a discarded car hub cap.

The initiative, led by the Student Union and Lead Pastoral Tutor Natasha Bryce, coincided with the 2026 Great British Spring Clean and Havering Council’s Where We Live Campaign and was appreciated by local residents who stopped to thank the students for their efforts.

One student who took part said: “It feels good to do something that actually makes a difference and has a positive impact on our environment and our surroundings.”

At Rainham the students and staff were joined by Councillor Matthew Stanton and Sue Watson, Women’s Officer for Dagenham and Rainham. Working together across the local estate and nearby roads, the group collected an impressive 17 bags of litter.

Councillor Stanton praised the initiative, saying: “It was lovely to help the students do their bit in keeping Beam Park tidy. Events like this are such an important way of instilling civic pride and responsibility. What was also lovely to see was how many residents were so pleased to see the students out and about and doing their bit for the community.”

Deputy Principal at Rainham, Catherine Foley, said: “I felt incredibly proud of the students’ participation and their willingness to help keep Rainham clean.”

Special recognition went to both Isobel Cattle, Rainham’s Enrichment Coordinator, and to Nathan Chipperfield, Enrichment Coordinator at Havering Sixth Form, who were both instrumental in making the events such a success.

The litter picks showcased the positive impact New City College students are making beyond the classroom – building community spirit, promoting environmental responsibility, and helping to create cleaner, greener neighbourhoods.

You too could be part of a college that makes a difference – apply to New City College today and look forward to new adventures, new skills and new opportunities.