Army of volunteers help clean up Cowleymoor at litter pick

VOLUNTEERS helped make a part of Cowleymoor a more attractive place to live by holding a litter pick this weekend.

An army of around 20 armed with bags and litter pickers went into the hedgerows and bushes of the Railway Walk and Lea Road to give the area a spring clean.

The group made up of the Tiverton Volunteer Litter Pickers (TVLP) and District Members of Castle and Lowman Wards met on Carew Road at 10.30am on Saturday 18 February before getting to work.

Cllr Janet Rendle of Tiverton's Castle Ward who regularly walks her dog along the path said: "It has got so bad along here that something needed to be done.

"I spoke with Cllr Davey and other ward members who agreed so we were able to go ahead and organise today's litter pick.

"There are people all over town and here today who are unsung heroes. They go out of their way to do their bit which they shouldn't have to do if people just didn't drop litter."

Tiverton mayor Cllr Neal Davey added: "It's only about 10% of the population who drop litter and the rest of us don't, but unfortunately the small minority spoil it for others.

"I'd like to personally thank the TVLP who have been going for ten years now and always do a good job.

"I hope the Council will continue their efforts to prosecute people who do commit these misdemeanours."

Among the more unusual pieces of litter picked included an old boot, a broken scooter and several packets of unopened condoms.

Secretary for the TVLP Gordon Davies added: "We always find some unusual things. The condoms must have been left over from Valentine's Day.

"I think people litter due to carelessness as much as anything - people just dropping it when they feel like it which is rather sad.

"The council do a good job to help clear the litter but they of course can't be everywhere so what we are trying to do is encourage citizens to take care of their own areas.

"A lot of residents here for example say they tidy up around their own houses - if enough people did that, it would go a long way in making the environment a lot more pleasant.

"Those who still drop litter should be careful because the authorities are now becoming much more active. If you drop litter the chances are you will have to pay a lot of money towards a fine."

The TVLP this year celebrates ten years since it was founded by Douglas Rice in April 2001. Since then the group has continued to work with and educate all age groups using publicity, schools campaigns, competitions, partnership with local councils, churches and by setting examples with public litter picks.

The next litter pick is on Saturday 3 March 2012 with the group meeting at St James Catholic Church car park.