RETAILER and fast food workers were among those who volunteered to take part in a litter pick around a popular Swindon footpath.

On Wednesday afternoon (AUG 26), members of Haydon Wick Parish Council teamed up with the management group of the Orbital Shopping Park and a host of businesses to clean up the area.

Three groups set off from the car park at McDonald's at 4.30pm, with staff from the fast food restaurant taking part, alongside workers from Asda, M&S and Homebase.

The groups, led by the councillors and Orbital staff, cleared litter along the Haydon End footpath, in Old Lady Lane, Haydon Wick Brook and Thamesdown Drive.

After around 90 minutes of hard work, the litter pickers returned to the Orbital, with 17 sacks of rubbish.

Haydon Wick Parish Councillor, Paul Booth, said the event had been a big success and said the centre was an important focal point for the town.

"It was great to see our council join forces with local business to help make Haydon Wick a cleaner place for both local residents and those who visit the shopping centre from outside the parish," he said.

"We received several comments and compliments whilst we were cleaning up; hopefully it will make people think twice about dropping litter in future."

And Jamie Turner, deputy manager at the Orbital Retail Park, said businesses on the park were encouraged to help with community events such as the litter pick, with more potentially following.

"It's been great to get our tenants involved in the local community," he said.

"This is a great example of how business and communities can work together to make a difference to the place they work and live.

"Hopefully this will empower more people to get involved and help cut the amount of litter in the local area."