The litter picking group went out for a second time on Sunday 25 October at 10am. There were fewer of us than in September, but we covered more ground than last time, cleared every car park along the way, and brought back less litter.
Where we went
- Car parks Every one along the route, cleared
- Station Road Again, after September
- Harford Road The car park
- War memorial All the ground around it
- Town hall The free car park next door
- Bus stops In and around the town stops by Friends Garage
This time the routes went well beyond the estate. We did Station Road again, then all around the war memorial, and we cleared every car park along the way, including the Harford Road car park and the free car park next to the town hall.
The most rewarding spot, if that is the word, was in and around the town bus stops by Friends Garage. That was where we found the most litter.
Less than last time
Despite the larger area, we came back with less than in September. One morning does not prove a trend, but it is the result we were hoping for.
A friendly council representative offered to take the bags away for us at the end, which saved us arranging a pickup.
No sign of the Phantom Rioja Dropper
In September we pulled more than 70 identical mini bottles of Rioja out of a single hedge. Since then there has been no sign of it happening again.
Perhaps whoever it was has been shamed by our efforts. We will keep looking each month.
Could businesses do more?
Picking around the town centre left some of us, Nat in particular, feeling that some local businesses could be doing more to clear litter from their own premises and the ground around them. That applies especially to retailers. It is by no means all of them, but a few minutes with a picker each week would make a visible difference.
Thank you
Thank you to the Stowford Mill Poker Club, who donated £117 for new litter pickers, litter hoops and strong bags. A litter hoop holds a sack open, so you can pick with one hand.
Thank you again to Jan for organising the pick, and to everyone who came. There were fewer of us this time, but everyone stuck at it.
Every last Sunday of the month
From now on the litter pick is a monthly event, held on the last Sunday of each month, from 10am to 11.30am. The next one is Sunday 29 November. Come when you can make it: there is no need to commit to every month. Add the monthly picks to your calendar.
Where to meet goes out in the residents' WhatsApp group before each pick. The equipment is provided, so all you need is an hour and a half and sensible shoes. Message Jan in the WhatsApp group if you would like to come, or contact the committee.