A team of litter pickers from Honiton received a request from a resident of Dunkeswell to help clear the litter there, and they were more than happy to help!

Rob Waldron is a retired electrician (aged 69) and he lives on the Heathfield Estate, Honiton. He runs the Honiton's litter picking group and is a passionate advocate for keeping the town and surrounding countryside clean, to protect wildlife.

Rob told Nub News: "Honiton litter pickers member Millie Hansen, who lives on the new Dunkeswell estate, had put a request out for us to help with a litter pick with other enthusiastic residents."

On Saturday 5 February, the litter picking group cleared the areas from the 'welcome to Dunkeswell sign' past the garage down, to the football ground and in around the estate.

Twelve large bags of litter were collected in just a few hours.

East Devon District Council made a special pick up to collect the litter that was collected, and they have offered the group somewhere to stop their equipment.

Rob discussed the problem of litter and his frustrations with Nub News: "What really annoys us is when you clear a road and a week later it's bad again. The most common items are cans and crisp packages.

"Something certainly needs doing. Sadly, it's not getting better. What is it that has gone wrong with society?"

He suggests it is time for a returns policy on drinks cans, where one can get a free can if twenty are retuned.

Rob continued: "Last week, I found a Lucozade bottle with dead field mice and shrews in. They had gone in as it's sweet tasting and couldn't get out and they drowned.

"Animals should be living their short life free of added dangers caused by our uncaring lazy attitude."

The hard work of the group has secured a donation from Bradley's Estate Agent of Honiton. They donated high visibility tabards, gloves and litter pickers, which Rob is very grateful for.

He continued: "Being a self-funded group, Honiton Litter Pickers are keen to be recognised by Honiton businesses who might be willing to offer some more sponsorship.

"Let's make Honiton one of the cleanest towns in Devon. We are all trying to help our environment and our resident wildlife: it's up to us as they cannot ask for help.

"All we can do is push for education of the younger ones. They are the next generation that can make the difference. With the population growth, it has to change before it is beyond repair."

If you would like to volunteer, you can contact Rob Waldron via their [L] https://www.facebook.com/groups/2280705102074337 [L+] Facebook group.