On the warm Sunday morning of 22nd June a team of residents assembled by the Jephcott/Wedding Bridge for the GRH community litter pick event.

Over 15 residents of all ages, including children with their parents and grandparents, were handed litter pickers, bags, bag hoops and gloves and after a couple of key safety reminders they were off!

With litter visible across Gentleman’s Row/Chase Green Gardens, in the kerbside and on verges, the group quickly began filling their bags. The entire green space, flower beds and adjoining roads were cleared of litter and other waste items. Overflowing litter bins were skimmed, footpaths swept of detritus and in little over an hour the area had been visibly transformed!

A total of 22 bags of litter and sweepings were collected during the session. Alongside drinks cans, bottles, cigarette packets and fast food packaging, other items including vapes, a blanket and an algae covered coat pulled from the New River Loop were cleared.

The presence of the team sent a clear message to those passing by that littering is not tolerated in our neighbourhood. The efforts were supported by the many people that stopped to say thank you (as well as the ducks, geese and other wildlife that also call this home).

At the end of the session, while enjoying well-earned cold refreshments next to the mound of bags, the mood was positive with attendees reflecting on how much they enjoyed taking part, were feeling inspired by the impact made and were already talking of future events!

News of the great work spread fast, and photos were soon featured on local organisations digital channels receiving multiple likes and positive comments.

The bags of litter were collected by the council street cleansing team the next morning and we hope for them to be part of future joint clean up events.

Thank you to all that took part, a fantastic effort and watch this space for dates of the next event!