ARMED with bags and decked out in hi-vis jackets, groups of volunteers are patrolling the streets of Haydon Wick to ensure they are kept clean and tidy.

The new initiative has been set up by the parish council and gives local residents the equipment they need to carry out regular litter-picks.

There are currently about 19 people who volunteer and in the first few months they have managed to collect more than 200 bags of rubbish.

The scheme was the idea of parish council chairman John Stooke, who is hoping to encourage people to take more pride in the area.

“It’s amazing what you find when you’re out and about,” said John, who has been in the post for six months.

“We have found all sorts, including a dumped flat-pack wardrobe, believe it or not.

“We walk the paths of the parish and take out stuff from the hedges, usually cans or bottles.

“The best thing about doing it is that you always get a positive response from people. Cars sound their horns and people come up and say thank you.

“I believe it is making a difference in some places. There are some hardcore litter droppers who will always throw their rubbish on the floor but I think some people are seeing us out and it is making a difference.”

The volunteer litter-picking is the first step in a plan to ensure that Haydon Wick becomes one of the tidiest areas in the borough.

There are currently around 80 bins in the parish but talks are already underway to increase the number.

John said he would explore the possibility of bringing in public orders so people who continued to litter could be punished.

“The council runs about 40 bins and we have a similar amount but we are in talks to see if we can increase that,” he said.

“We can’t expect people to keep the area tidy if the facilities to do so are not provided.

“The next stage is to spread awareness and education, by going into the schools for example.

“The final stage would be to have some level of enforcement. I see they have the orders so fines can be issued for the town centre. If they are good enough for the town centre then they are good enough for Haydon Wick.”

The parish council is always looking for people to help them and has said all equipment, as well as insurance, will be provided.

  • Anyone who is interested can contact the council on 01793 722446.