Volunteers who clean up Leamington streets launch new scheme to help continue their work

A group of volunteers who help clean up the streets in Leamington have launched a new scheme to help continue their work.

Throughout the pandemic Leam Trash Friends have continued to clear rubbish and used needles from the streets.

Leam Trash Friends, was founded by Matt Langsford, has been going more than a year.

Previously the group have held large scale litter picks and 'days of action' where businesses and residents come together to clean up areas in and around Leamington

However due to the pandemic these have been postponed.

Despite this the volunteers have now launched a new 'adopt my area' scheme where residents take 'ownership' of an area where they will do regular litter picks and report any flytipping or illicit items to Leam Trash Friends.

Matt said: "During the early days of the pandemic it quickly became obvious we must make huge changes to the way we operate to be able to continue with our services for the community.

"We trailed the adopt my area scheme and found it to be the most effective way to be able to meet the government regulations as well as to continue the services that keep our communities clean.

"We are looking forward to expanding this scheme and supporting more residents to take ownership over litter within their area.

"We are delighted that we received vital funds following the award of a community grant from Leamington Town Council of £725 which has already started being put to good use helping us replenish our supplies.

"We are also pleased that we received a laptop from Warwickshire County Council's Community Computer Scheme to help with our admin and operational planning."

The group said that the scheme has some requirements from people who wish to take part.

This includes:

- only volunteering with members of social bubbles and not with more than five other people

- all PPE provided by Leam Trash Friends, is used as advised

- being able to commit to doing two hours per week or fortnight at a time to suits

The group will then be able to provide all PPE, loan litter pickers, bags, high-vis jackets, refreshments and training

If anyone would like to join the 'adopt my area' scheme they should email [email protected] with the following details:

- full address including postal code;

- mobile number;

- email address;

- the number of litter pickers required;

- the size of hands and chest for gloves and high vis jackets