9:00pm Thursday 5th August 2010
By Flora Drury
WORCESTER’S MP braved the pouring rain to play his part in keeping our city clean.
Robin Walker, who has been the city’s MP since May, donned a fluorescent yellow jacket as he picked up litter people had dropped around St John’s.
Mr Walker and leader of Worcester City Council Simon Geraghty led a small group of dedicated litter pickers – including councillor Margaret Layland and local police officer Julie Merry – around the alleyways off Henwick Road, the road itself and Oldbury Road.
But the area was not simply litter-picked.
Letters were sent out to local people asking them not to park along the stretch and police helped block the road so the street cleaners could make sure the entire area was sparkling.
Mr Walker said: “It went well – a great session. We did get the whole area cleared up, and then the city council staff turned up and then went to do more.”
The MP had got involved in the community clean-up after he was inspired by the Take Pride in Worcester campaign, which is being run by your Worcester News, the city council and VisitWorcester.
“It’s important to get out there and show people that communities can take some of the strain from the council,” he said. “It was nice to have at least one lady from the local community come out in the rain with us. It is a great campaign that the Worcester News is running to make sure people are aware of the fact that littering is undermining pride in our city.” Coun Geraghty was impressed by how many people the group came across who were already taking pride in Worcester by picking up other people’s rubbish.
“I went down to meet residents down by the field on Oldbury Road later in the morning,” said Coun Geraghty. “They litter-pick quite regularly. The entire morning goes to show that a little bit of help from a lot of people makes a huge difference. The streets looked really tidy and clean by the end.”
l People who report ‘grot spots’ in Worcester have been promised they will be cleaned up within two working days. Worcester City Council has made the pledge – and it is determined to fulfil it. The only time it cannot keep its promise is when it falls on private property – then it will contact the owner. Call 01905 722101 to report a grot spot.
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