VOLUNTEERS taking part in a litter pick in Amblecote bagged up nearly a quarter of a tonne of rubbish in just one hour.
Local environmental group Wild Earth Movement hosted its first community litter pick in Withymoor earlier this month, with 30 local volunteers braving the rainy weather to do their bit.
In total, 244KG of rubbish was removed from fields and green spaces in just 60 minutes.
Another litter pick is in the pipeline - for September.
Stourbridge MP Suzanne Webb, who joined volunteers, said: “Everyone had a brilliant time making the best of the weather and making a big difference to Withymoor and I would like to thank Wild Earth Movement for organising its first litter pick and for inviting me to take part in such a successful event.
“We did a great job cleaning up but it is depressing how much litter people are prepared to leave.
“Let’s all do our best to take our rubbish home or put it in the bin.
"Cleaner spaces make a difference to people’s lives and their communities.”
Suzanne also thanked all three Amblecote ward councillors Paul Bradley, Pete Lee and Kamran Razzaq for attending the clean-up in their patch.
Paul Bradley said: “This was a great community effort and it leaves Withymoor cleaner and its community with a real sense of achievement.
"Thank you to everyone who came and helped.”
Wild Earth Movement is founded by Hannah Picken, aged 29, who lives in Stourbridge.
Hannah said: “Thank you to everyone who took part. I was really nervous before as it was raining so much, I thought no-one would come, so it was amazing to see all these people arriving. I thought people do want to litter pick!
"I can’t fault the dedication of the volunteers. The feedback I have received has been great I am already planning the next event.”
Pictured above: Suzanne Webb with councillors Paul Bradley, Pete Lee and Kamran Razzaq.
The non-profit organisation is also holding an online raffle. The prizes are a selection of eco-friendly products donated by small businesses. Money raised will be used to fund the purchase of more equipment for future community events.
Tickets are available via the Wild Earth Movement website: www.wildearthmovement.com.
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