Kidderminster litter pickers branded 'heroes' after taking 60 bags of rubbish off the streets
Hundreds of people determined to keep their town clean by getting out and about to collect litter have been hailed as heroes.
More than 300 members of the Facebook group Keeping Kidderminster and Surrounding Places Clean set about tidying the district.
Since the beginning of January the group has organised five community litter pick events and made more than 200 posts online, which include a series of before and after photographs.
Their hard work has resulted in about 60 bags of litter being removed from local streets and areas of natural beauty.
Officials with Wyre Forest District Council contacted the group administrator Michelle Medler to offer a range of support, including tabards, litter pickers and black bin bags as well as guidance and advice on other issues such as litter bins, needles and fly-tipping.
Michelle said: “The reason I started this page was to encourage people to look outside their own houses and pick up three items of litter a day.
"Now people I don’t know are picking up carrier bags full of litter.
"I’m amazed at how many people care and want to make a difference which is great to know and the positive comments from the public make it all worthwhile.”
Councillor Rebecca Vale, the council's cabinet member for operational services, said: “It is truly remarkable to hear about the positive impact these volunteers have had and I would like to thank every one of them.
"We spend a lot of time, effort and money cleaning our streets and this just goes to show what a huge difference we can make to the look and feel of the district by working together.
“The members of this group have shown commitment by giving their time and putting in a huge effort both individually and collectively to keeping the district safe, clean and looking good and we will continue to support them as well as welcome any similar initiatives from any other groups in the district.”
Anyone wanting to support or organise a little pick is asked to contact the council's co-ordinator Sarah Davis on 01562 732958.
