A dedicated group of Compton residents meet each month and take cleaning up their local streets and parks their mission.
Led by Cllr Nick Kelly they target different areas throughout Compton, armed with their pickers, caps, refuse bags and distinctive yellow tabards.
Cllr Nick Kelly said
“I’m really proud to lead this small group of residents who are making a positive contribution to their community. It’s so uplifting and encouraging when residents come up and thank us for our efforts, or beep their horns as they drive past. As a group we do a pick each month, however, members also do picks on their own or in pairs, as they are so keen.“
The Compton Litter Picking Group was established a few years ago with the equipment being provided by the Compton Councillors from their Community Grant Fund. Over this period hundreds of bags of litter have been taken off the streets by the volunteers. The group often co-ordinate their activities with similar local groups including the citywide Clean Our Patch group.
The group’s mission is to set an example and be pro-active in their campaign against litter. It provides some light exercise, social interaction and is a stress buster.
Recently the group have focussed on Mutley Plain, Trefusis Park, Hartley Park and Higher Compton.
Litter is not all the group find. Bags of dog poo are frequently found on pathways, in bushes or hanging from trees. A regular member of the group is Cllr Andrea Johnson. She said
“As a responsible dog owner I find it staggering that owners bag it and then just throw the bag down or don’t even bother to bag the poo at all. This really upsets me when I find dog fouling in children’s play areas. It gives us dog owners a bad name”.
The Councillors also take note and report other community issues whilst out picking.
Cllr Andrea Johnson said
“Whilst you are looking down for litter you also spot potholes, fly tipping and weeds. We take photos of these and report them to the council requesting immediate action. Weeds have been extremely prolific this year and I’ve lost count of the number of requests we’ve made”
The group has steadily grown in number but always welcomes new volunteers. Anyone who would like to find out more about joining the Compton Litter Picking Group, should contact Cllr Nick Kelly, by emailing him at nick.kelly@plymouth.gov.uk
