Posted on: Friday 21 April 2023
Plastic drink bottles, crisp packets, car tyres, a scooter and a golf club are just some of the items of rubbish picked up as part of Torfaen’s annual Spring Clean.
More than 40 volunteers and school children from Croesyceiliog and Nant Celyn Primary schools tackled 10 litter hotspots, and collected a total of 130 bags of rubbish, and 27 bags of recyclable items.
Alongside the public litter picks, the Council’s Streetscene team collected 361 bags of litter from sections of the A4042.
Oliver James, Torfaen Council’s new Litter and Fly-tipping Prevention Officer, said: “This was my first time running the Torfaen Spring Clean events and I was really pleased with the enthusiasm of the volunteers. They really do care about where they live and want the borough the be clean and green for future generations.
“I’ve made some great connections with schools and community groups, and I’m looking forward to working with them all again in the future.”
Oliver will work closely with schools, community groups and fast-food outlets to develop projects that decrease the amount of rubbish on streets and in beauty spots.
Councillor Mandy Owen, Executive member for the Environment, said: “On behalf of the Council I would like to say thank you to everyone who got involved. By working together we really can make a difference to the cleanliness of Torfaen.
“We would also like to thank individuals and groups who litter pick throughout the year, we really do appreciate all of your hard work.
“Litter is unsightly, unhygienic and can be dangerous to animals. There’s no excuse to throw litter as we have over 700 litter bins located throughout the borough.
“We are always happy to support the public and groups with litter picks including offering advice and where to loan equipment, so please get in touch if this is something you or your group would like to get involved in.”
Torfaen Spring Clean litter picks took place at: ThreePenny Bit Centre, Fairwater woodlands and shops, chapel Lane to Edlogan Way, Garn lakes, Sandybrook Park, the ravine west of Talywain, Cwmbran Boating lake, Rosemary Lane and along the river in Ponthir.
Torfaen Spring Clean takes place every year and is an opportunity for residents, businesses, schools and other agencies to carry out litter picks to help clean up the borough and create litter free zones.
To find out more about environmental volunteering opportunities with the council get in touch with Oliver.James@torfaen.gov.uk, join our dedicated Facebook group, visit Connect Torfaen or call 01495 762200.