A dedicated team of volunteers has collected more than 100 bags of rubbish from local streets in less than a month. The group cleared parks and roadsides across Cefn Mawr, Rhosymedre, Plas Madoc, Trevor, Newbridge, and Ruabon.
Cefn Community Council supports the project and provides the team with uniforms to recognize their vital work. Council leaders said they were amazed by the results but saddened by the scale of the local litter problem.
Volunteer Jacqueline Palmer led the effort by completing 16 clean-up walks and collecting more than 90 bags of waste. Some volunteers spend up to 30 hours a week traveling to different areas to keep the community looking its best.
Community Spirit in Action
The #StayOnSide Cefn Litter Pickers have transformed the local area by clearing over 100 bags of waste in just one month. Andrew Ruscoe, community development officer at Cefn Community Council, said: "We are absolutely blown away by the dedication shown by the #StayOnSide Cefn Litter Pickers. It is sad to see such high levels of rubbish being collected from our streets, but it is also amazing to see the hard work, pride, and commitment being shown by this small volunteer team. People like Jacqueline are giving up a huge amount of their own time, often spending 25 to 30 hours a week traveling around the area and keeping our streets clear on a voluntary basis. We are mega proud and incredibly grateful for everything they do."
Tidy Streets Mission
Local residents giving up their time to keep the parks and roadsides beautiful include Anne, Noah, Rick, and Lucy, who also joined the mission to clear the area of unsightly waste. The team discovered many strange items left behind, including a washing machine, a television, and even an old Christmas tree.
Beyond making the area look better, clearing litter helps to protect local wildlife and keeps pets safe from harm. The volunteers also benefit from the fresh air and exercise, which helps to keep them healthy and active. Working together in the outdoors is a great way for people to meet neighbors and feel part of a shared local purpose.
Mr. Phil Vaughan, chairman of Cefn Community Council, commented: "On behalf of Cefn Community Council, I would like to say a huge thank you to Jacqueline, Anne, Noah, Rick, Lucy, and everyone supporting the #StayOnSide Cefn Litter Pickers. Their commitment does not go unnoticed. These volunteers are making a real difference across Cefn Mawr, Rhosymedre, Plas Madoc, Trevor, Newbridge, and the surrounding areas. We are extremely proud to support them and grateful for the pride they show in our communities."
The Council is now asking more people to join the team to help protect the beautiful local environment. Residents are reminded to always use the bins provided or take their rubbish home to keep the streets tidy. Anyone who wants to help can get in touch with the Council to join the volunteer team. The group’s message to everyone is: “Put it in the bin — because dropping litter is antisocial behavior.”
