Free equipment available to Melton borough’s litter pickers

Leicestershire County Council is supporting local litter picking groups - often called wombles - by pledging to help them access the equipment they need.

The authority is setting up a new fund to help them get the tools they need, including litter pickers which extend to six-feet to reach under bushes and hedgerows.

Local community campaign group, Melton Matters, has been coordinating clean-ups in the town for several years and members recently set up a Melton Wombles group to focus on particular hotspots on verges, in parks and other public open spaces.

Volunteers have also joined forces in some of the villages in the borough to pick rubbish up in their communities.

On the new fund, Councillor Louise Richardson, County Hall’s cabinet member for communities, said: “Womblers provide a vital community service.

“The benefits are numerous - litter-picking keeps our public spaces clean, aids wildlife, promotes walking and increases recycling.

“That’s why we want to support our local groups by giving them the equipment they need.

“It’s a great example of how we can support and empower our communities to make a difference in their area.

“I applaud our womblers and hope that our support bolsters their brilliant work.”

Go to www.leicestershire.gov.uk/litter-picking to find out how to get hold of equipment for your litter picking activities.