by Alan Quick

FOLLOWING a request for volunteer litter pickers in the “Courier” in April by Sustainable Crediton’s Waste Action Group, about a dozen volunteers have so far stepped forward to help clean up Crediton.

The litter pickers have already begun duties, some working individually on their own initiative cleaning up their local neighbourhood, while others have been working as a group on specific projects, such as, for example, the Town Square and High Street.

Charles Mossman, a Waste Action Group member, who set up the new litter group explained: “Mid Devon District Council (MDDC) have kindly provided us with litter picking sticks and hi-viz vests to wear.

“We are covered by MDDC insurance and MDDC will take away any bulk litter and recycling we collect.”

Michael Szabo, who is a Crediton Town Councillor and is a member of the group, went on: “At our first litter group meeting we agreed that the first two group litter picks would be along the route of the Britain in Bloom judging route."

The first clean-up took place on May 27 and the second will take place on July 3.

Charles and a group of other volunteers enjoyed their litter pick on May 27 but all said they were shocked at the number of cigarette butts and litter in certain areas.

Most of the volunteers were suffering from blisters on their hands from using the litter pickers to pick up the rubbish.

Many bags of rubbish were collected.

Individuals are also being encouraged to tidy up their own neighbourhoods.

For more information about joining the next group or other information, call Charles on 01363 866106 or email: [email protected] .