AN ANTI litter group will be celebrating two years since their launch in November 2016.

In those years,The Evesham Town Plan Anti-Litter Group has accumulated over 100 enthusiastic supporters, leading to the planning of three litter picks to be hosted in Evesham within just one month.

The group was formed in response to the Evesham Town Plan where 1,200 residents responded to a survey, expressing their dissatisfaction at the level of litter in the town. The Anti-Litter group then came together, carrying out the resident's wishes by tackling the litter issue in the area.

Since this point, the volunteers picked 450 large bags of litter, saving an average of £2500 in contractor costs. To date, they’ve conducted 28 litter picks, and by the end of October, this number will reach an impressive 31.

This month, they’re joining forces with Rooftop Housing Association to conduct litter picks in the local area on October 10 in Charity Crescent, starting at 9:00 am and on October 18 in Rynal Place and Leicester Grove, meeting at 1pm for a 4pm finish.

Local residents can also join the Anti-Litter Group when they pick on 20th October, meeting at the Colleges for a 10:30 am start.

Julie Tucker, Local Councillor and Chairman of the group, said: “I’m proud to see how far the group has come in just 2 years. The level of support the group has received from local residents and businesses really is a testament to its success.”

She continued: “We’d like to thank everyone for their help so far and invite them to join us at our upcoming picks to help sustain the level of accomplishment achieved we’ve all achieved in such a small time frame.”

Alongside monthly litter picks in the town, the group have been working with local businesses to tackle the litter problem. Most recently, they’ve met with Morrisons to reduce the high amount of abandoned trolleys local residents are finding on the streets around the store.

They’re also receiving support from VECTA, the local small business association, McDonald's, and Rooftop Housing.

Looking to the future, the group have new initiatives to roll out, including one that addresses the litter on private land.

In the meantime, residents are being encouraged to pick locally, volunteer with the group to clear litter and report litter to the Wychavon District Council via 01386 565000.