Litter Squad Collects Two Tonnes of Rubbish in Two Years

A community group celebrating two years of action has collected an astonishing two tonnes of rubbish in and around Ponteland.

The Ponteland Anti-Litter Squad (PALS) carries out monthly patrols across the countryside in and around the town. At its recent AGM, the group revealed that 1,418 kilos of litter was collected between April 2025 and March 2026 — up from 620 kilos the year before — including more than 3,700 cans, 2,900 plastic bottles, 1,000 glass bottles and 460 vapes.

Alongside its patrols, PALS has continued educational and environmental work with local schools, Duke of Edinburgh's Award participants, staff from Newcastle International Airport and in the Darras Hall estate during the spring brashing of a local site of special scientific interest. The group, formed as a voluntary community association in 2024, has grown from a handful of friends to a membership of more than 50.

The squad meets on the third Sunday of each month, with members out and about in their hi-vis vests, and warmly welcomes new volunteers. If you would like to join, see our events calendar for the next community litter pick.