Litter pick success in Craven Arms

Twelve bags of litter, including lots of glass bottles, were recently collected in Craven Arms by eager volunteers and Shropshire Council officers as part of the national Big Tidy Up campaign.

They joined forces to take part in the litter pick on Monday 18 April 2011, which was carried out alongside the council’s routine street cleaning schedule.

The volunteers who attended form part of the dedicated Craven Arms Volunteers for the Environment (CAVE) group.  They undertake various seasonal tasks around the town to care for the local environment and keep it neat and tidy.

Councillor Martin Taylor-Smith, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for transport and IT, said:

“The day was a great success; lots of litter was collected and glass bottles recycled.  I’d like to especially thank the dedicated volunteers who work throughout the year to keep the town clean and tidy.”

James Gibson, a Councillor for Church Stretton and Craven Arms who attended the litter pick, said:

“I fully support the fantastic efforts of the group.  It is essential that we all contribute towards helping out in our local communities, as letting those who drop litter see people they know picking it up is the best way of discouraging this anti-social behaviour.”

People interested in being kept informed of opportunities to volunteer with CAVE should contact Merinda Essex, group leader, by emailing merindaessex@yahoo.co.uk.

To report a problem of litter in Shropshire or to organise a community litter pick, people should call 0345 678 9006 or visit shropshire.gov.uk/environmentmaintenance.nsf.

The Big Tidy Up campaign is a national initiative encouraging residents, voluntary groups and organisations to carry out litterpicks in their area.  For further information on the Big Tidy Up campaign visit their website at www.thebigtidyup.org