Two Balham residents are leading the change to improve the face of Balham through litter-picking, replanting and community outreach.
A recent proposal from Wandsworth Council has outlined the plan to tackle ‘anti-social behaviour’ in the Balham area by introducing an £170,000 pilot scheme to introduce Neighbourhood Wardens – subject to a cabinet decision.
Simon Hogg, the council leader, highlighted how ‘graffiti, noise and other anti-social behaviour have a big impact on residents’ lives’.
But Beautify Balham, co-headed by Jean Millar and Justine McNeil, seeks to buck the narrative that Balham is an unclean and un-green place to live, and have been cleaning streets and increasing plant life since 2020.
Jean founded Beautify Balham post retirement, with the aim of improving her local area, she said: “I saw Balham as a lovely place to live but there was the litter and the greyness and there weren’t any trees and I just felt it needed a lift”.
Just before the pandemic, Jean met Justine who was in Balham organising tree pit planting, a ‘meeting of the minds’ took place and they decided to join forces.
Since then, their work has continued to grow and make a notable difference to the local community with a shared vision: ‘to clean up and green up Balham’.
Both noted the importance of the Balham Forum which they have spoken at and which Justine said has ‘really galvanised [the council] wanting to work with us’.
They now head up a committee of eight residents, supported by Balham businesses who they promote in return, as listed on their site.
The pair also praised the support of Wandsworth Council, who have backed them since 2020, as they provided the group with an initial grant for their litter-picking equipment.
Jean said Beautify Balham would receive further financial support whether ‘it comes from that pot or another’.
The council’s cooperation is critical as often the land is council owned – they need to be ‘working in liaison’.
Additionally, Beautify Balham works with local schools – each week, they go to Hornsby House and assist with their gardening club.
Assistant Head, Vicki Mansfield said: “Beautify Balham is a fantastic organisation that has inspired the children of Hornsby House to develop a genuine love for nature and their local environment.
“The children take great pride in the communal spaces they have transformed into vibrant gardens, actively participating in planting, weeding, watering, and litter picking.
“Their enthusiasm and care have made a such a difference to our local community and is valued by our neighbours.”
Jean hopes that including children in litter-picking will ultimately reduce the problem in of itself, she said: “The kids absolutely love the litter-picking…they actually say why are people dropping all this.”
The next planned litter-pick is 7 March, with more information available at Beautify Balham’s Instagram or website.
Featured image: courtesy of Jean Millar and Justine McNeil
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