10,000 litres rubbish collected at Wallingford litter pick

Around 130 volunteers turned out in Wallingford on Saturday (March 14) to participate in the massive town litter pick organised by charity Wallingford 1155.

Mark Brett MBE, chair of the charity who has organised the event for more than 15 years, said that while it was ‘disappointing’ that there was so much litter on the streets that had to be collected, the scale of the response from the community was ‘inspiring’.

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“Events like this show the power of community volunteering, bringing people together, creating new friendships and helping to keep our town a place we can all be proud of,” Mr Brett said.

Around 130 volunteers from Wallingford and the surrounding area got involved (Image: Ed Nix)

“We are incredibly grateful to everyone who took part.”

The litter pick was supported by the Wallingford Women’s Institute, Style Acre, Body Training Studio and the Mayor of Wallingford, and The Comrades Club Wallingford fed the volunteers after their busy morning picking up rubbish.

Further collaborations came from Crowmarsh Parish Council and the Brightwell-cum-Sotwell Scouts who joined forces to help clear their streets and green spaces.

The annual Wallingford litter pick was an ‘inspiring’ success (Image: Ed Nix)

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Mr Brett added: “Some litter unfortunately results from accidents, such as bins being blown over by the wind, but some is clearly the result of carelessness.

“We hope events like this encourage everyone to take responsibility for their waste and help protect the environment we all share.”

Wallingford 1155 organises events like the town’s fireworks display and Santa’s Sleigh, as well as the annual litter pick.