Volunteers collected dozens of bags of rubbish on a community litter pick in Ledbury.
Town mayor Helen I’Anson was among those to don a high-vis vest and grab a litter picker last Friday (September 29).
Members of the public also joined in alongside members of Ledbury Methodist Church, the crew of HMS Ledbury and other town council representatives.
The event was organised by The Helping Hand Company, a company based in Bromyard Road that sells litter picking equipment, alongside Ledbury Town Council.
Five members of the Helping Hand Company team, including general manager Chris Isherwood, commercial manager Stuart Skinner and digital marketing officer Stacey Perrin also attended.
“Everyone took different routes and areas across town, and then met at the rugby club afterwards for refreshments,” said Stacey.
“Between us we collected more than 20 bags of rubbish and everyone noted how clean the town was.
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“I went to the walled garden and churchyard myself, and only found a handful of items in those areas (mostly drinks bottles/cans).”
The company is planning to do more community litter picks in Ledbury alongside the town council.
It also wants to organise similar events in Hereford, where it has a manufacturing site.
Cllr I'Anson said: "We had the pleasure of the lovely crew members from HMS Ledbury to help us in this event, learning all about the vessel whilst litter picking was very fascinating.
"I would like to say a huge thank you to The Helping Hand Company who organised this event in conjunction with Ledbury Town Council, Ledbury Rugby Football Club for providing the refreshments after the event and all those who took part in the litter pick including HMS Ledbury Crew members, Ledbury Methodist Church, Ward Councillors, Ledbury residents and community members."
Ledbury Town Council keeps a register of litter picking groups - it says there are a number of people doing great work around the town and wants to ensure groups are co-ordinating their efforts.
You can join the register, or get more information about starting a new litter picking group, by emailing deputyclerk@ledburytowncouncil.gov.uk
The Ledbury Reporter has featured the work of individuals who have taken it upon themselves to improve the area by picking up other people’s rubbish.
They include Tom Collingwood, who is known for clearing litter from the verges of Herefordshire’s A-roads.
And Fiona Conway, who completed fundraising walks over the Malvern Hills for her disabled grandson, and decided to clean up the place at the same time.
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