Villagers in Peasedown St John have taken part in the national 'Keep Britain Tidy' campaign.

Organised every year, the 'Big Clean Up' is an initiative across the UK to encourage volunteers to spend one day – at least – clearing up their community.

A team led by B&NES Councillors Karen Walker, Sarah Bevan and Peasedown Community Trust Chairman, Gavin Heathcote, donned their high-viz jackets and put on their rubber gloves for the country-wide initiative.

Village Councillor, Karen Walker (Independent, Peasedown) said: "Thanks to everyone who came along to take part in the event last week. One of the complaints that Cllr Bevan and I receive on a regular basis is about debris and litter on our streets, so we wanted to make a difference with this 'Big Clean Up'."

Community clean-ups have been a regular feature of village life in Peasedown St John for the past decade.

Between 2017 – 2019, the local councillors held a spring clean in every street. Once a month, every month for two years, Karen and Sarah led a team of residents with litter-pickers and black bags!

Cllr Sarah Bevan (Independent, Peasedown) added:

"The sight of litter makes our public realm look messy and unattractive. Despite an array of litter bins located around the village there will always be a small minority of people who feel the need to dispose of their rubbish unlawfully. Until this stops, a team of us will continue to clean up our streets, helping to keep them litter free!"

Peasedown Community Trust are often looking for volunteers to take part in community clean-ups, and to help with other projects they run. Trust Chairman, Gavin Heathcote, added: "Volunteers are the life blood of our communities. Hundreds, if not thousands, of hours each week are spent by volunteers taking part in civic life. Whether it's volunteering at a community centre, with a youth project, supporting a faith group or at our Village Library, volunteers are always making a difference."

Live in Peasedown St John? Want to volunteer in your community? Contact the Peasedown Community Trust for details: [email protected].

They can also be followed on Facebook at www.facebook.com/PeasedownCommunityTrust and on Twitter at @PeasedownTrust