Sefton Council has been shortlisted in the Volunteer Engagement category of the national Keep Britain Tidy Awards for its work with local volunteer group the Crosby Wombles.

Sefton Council and the Crosby Wombles, founded in 2022, work together to keep the Borough’s  streets and parks cleaner and greener.

The Council meets with the Wombles regularly to share ideas and give support. It also provides litter-picking equipment and collect full bags so that rubbish doesn’t stay on the streets.

Cllr Peter Harvey, Sefton Council’s Cabinet Member for Cleansing and Street Scene said:
“The Crosby Wombles have done amazing work this year.

“From January to September 2025, they picked up over 700 bags of litter in the L23 area.”

Crosby Wombles Volunteers include adults and children, who help in parks, green spaces, and on the beach. Their youngest members are known as 'mini Wombles'. Thanks to a grant, the group now use special carts to separate recycling from other waste, helping the environment even more.

Local businesses such as Satterthwaites Bakehouse in Crosby have supported the group by hosting meet-ups after litter-pick sessions and provide refreshments.

Sefton Council also promotes the Wombles’ efforts on social media and through videos, encouraging more people to join in. And together, they tackle tough jobs like fly-tipping and keep local “grot spots” clean.

The Wombles also visit schools to teach children about looking after nature and reducing litter. These lessons inspire kids to take action and join litter picks.

Cllr Harvey continued:
“This partnership doesn’t just make our area look better—it protects wildlife, improves parks, and brings the community together.

“With the Wombles’ hard work and Sefton Council’s support our local environment is cleaner, safer, and something to be proud of.

“I am delighted we have been shortlisted for this award and look forward to finding out if we’ve won in February.”

Find out more about the work the Crosby Wombles do below.