Litter-picking village group is an example to us all (From Worcester News)

Litter-picking village group is an example to us all

11:20pm Wednesday 28th July 2010 in Take Pride Headlines By Flora Drury, @floradruryWN #worcsnews

A COMMUNITY group which has been litter picking for three years is an example to the rest of Worcester.

As part of the Take Pride in Worcester campaign – which is being run by your Worcester News, the city council and VisitWorcester – community groups are being encouraged to get together and pick up litter in their areas.

But one group was already doing their own clean-ups and they do not even live in Worcester. About 16 members of Hallow Village Community Group (HVCG) regularly litter pick the village, targeting problem spots such as the main road.

Joy Fulcher, secretary to HVCG, said a lot of the village’s problems seemed to come from through traffic but she hoped their efforts did not go unnoticed.

She said: “It’s not the locals so much who cause the problem, as it’s mostly by the main road where we find litter. All the fast food stuff and cigarette packets.

“But I think when people see us in our yellow jackets it brings it to their notice.”

Mrs Fulcher, of Parkfield Lane, Hallow, said most of the people who go out litter picking are aged between 40 and 70 but did not think it should be a deterrent to others. On the last outing, one young woman bought her two children.

Mrs Fulcher said: “It’s great fun. We all dress up and have our pickers and then we pop into Hallow Sports and Social Club for a welcome beverage.”

Councillor Roger Knight, Worcester City Council cabinet member for cleaner and greener, said: “I’m delighted to hear of the Hallow litter pick event.

“It may be beyond the city boundary but it’s well within the spirit of our campaign.

“Well done Hallow, you have set an example for us Worcester folk to follow.”

To report a grot spot to the council call 01905 722 101. The authority promises to have it cleaned up within two working days. • Click here for more on the Take Pride campaign and to upload your own grot spot pictures.