Litter pickers celebrate their 2,000th bag

Pictured are members of the Anston and Dinnington group, who picked their 2,000th bag of litter, with local ward councillors Clive Jepson (far left), Jonathan Ireland (second left), and John Vjestica (6th left), Neighbourhood Development Officer Steve Lavin (4th left), Love Where You Live co-ordinator Wayne Munro-Smith (5th from left) and Streetpride operative Richard O'Donoughue (centre).

The group, which meets weekly in locations around the area, hit the milestone at their latest meet-up last Thursday (May 24).

Joining the volunteers at Monks Bridge roundabout for the pick were local ward councillors Jonathan Ireland and Clive Jepson, from Anston and Woodsetts, and John Vjestica, from Dinnington.

The litter pickers have been meeting regularly since April 2016 after a group of five residents decided they wanted to do something to clean up their local area.

One of the original members, Linda Banham, said: “Since we started the group has slowly risen to 15 regulars, meeting every Thursday and picking for an hour to 90 minutes.

“Our local councillors, the area partnership team and Streetpride have supported us by providing equipment and arranging for the collection of the full bags of litter – averaging about 20 per week. It is amazing to think we have reached our 2,000th bag!”

RMBC’S cabinet member for cleaner, greener communities, Cllr Sarah Allen said: “Our volunteer litter pickers are a real inspiration. I'd like to thank everyone involved in the Anston and Dinnington group – and indeed all our groups across Rotherham – for their dedication and community spirit.

“Our volunteers make a real difference and we always welcome new faces. If you would like to join an existing group, or organise your own litter pick, you can find out more on our Love Where You Live web pages”

To find out more, go to www.rotherham.gov.uk/litterpick