EQUIPPED with high-vis tabards, litter pick sticks and gloves, groups and individuals are regularly collecting bags of litter and reaping the health and social benefits of the activity.

Among those hoping to encourage as many people as possible to get involved is a group of residents in Pillgwenlly, Newport.

The community group Pride in Pill was founded by resident Paul Murphy and is made up of residents who aim to make the area safer, cleaner and greener.

They take part in litter picks to clean up the area to help combat the effects of fly-tipping.

Earlier this year, members of the group were invited to meet Councillor Matthew Evans, mayor of Newport, who thanked them for their efforts.

Mr Murphy, 42, formed the group last summer and now has eight members.

He said: “We go out in the Pill area as a group of ten every fortnight and hold a big event with around 50-60 volunteers every three months.

“When we started the group our first collection resulted in over three tonnes of rubbish and 80 bags a fortnight, but this has reduced to about 20 or 30 bags.

“It’s going well and the litter problem is getting better.

“We’ve had funding from Newport City homes, Melin Homes and Asda which means we can buy equipment and can clean up any rubbish straight away.

“Our next big event is at 11am on August 25 at Pill Millennium Centre. We’ll be cleaning up after Pill Carnival and anyone is welcome to join us. We provide the equipment so there is no need to bring anything.”

Mr Murphy said his oldest volunteer is 70 and the youngest is seven.

“A lot of people say they have a good time and really enjoy taking part. It would be great to see more people get involved.”

Lisa Wall, a volunteer, added: “We want to encourage more adults and children to get involved.”

For more information email pamurp@aol.com or visit www.facebook.com/pages/Pride-in-pill and on twitter @prideinpill IN Torfaen, pensioner Lyndon Moxham has gone above and beyond for his community after he has picked up more than 10,000 bags of litter.

Mr Moxham, 69, has been collecting litter around Sebastopol on his daily walk for almost 30 years, mainly around the cycle track running through Sebastopol and Pontymoile canal.

The former Burton’s Foods worker, who lives in Austin Road, started picking up rubbish while taking his two dogs for a walk and usually collects one big bag of rubbish on his daily round, which includes Christmas Day.

“It’s usually crisp packets and cans that I collect and that increases during the summer and at Christmas,” he said.

“I often fish things out of the canal with a litter pick.”

“A lot of people stop me and tell me I am doing a good job but it would be good if more people got involved,” he added.

He has been recognised for his efforts and thanked on numerous occasion by local councillors who appreciate for the work he is doing on behalf of the community.

One Monmouthshire organisation – Usk In Bloom is hosting a 30 minute community clear up of the town tomorrow (Aug 2) at 10am meeting outside the Co-operative off Bridge Street.

The initiative, which is called Keep Usk Litter Free, is a joint venture between Usk in Bloom, Usk Town Council and Usk Chamber of Commerce.

Chairman of Usk in Bloom, Tony Kear said successful two litter picks have been held in the town this year with the most recent resulting in 27 kilos of rubbish and weeds being collected.

“People of all ages have gotten involved in what we call a 30-minute challenge to keep it short and sweet,” explained Mr Kear.

“We supply volunteers with tabards, gloves, litter pick sticks and bags and ask them to spend 30 minutes in pairs in designated areas of Usk collecting litter.”

“We have been kindly loaned the equipment from Keep Wales Tidy and are in the process of submitted a grant for equipment.”

Signs have also been put up asking people to ‘Keep Usk Litter Free,’ as part

“It is as much about keeping the town litter free and community awareness.”

“It is astonishing how it has taken off.”

“What we are seeing now is people walking along the streets, picking up litter and putting it in the bin.”

“We had around 21 people turn up for the first litter pick and then 15 on the next.”

“We organised a litter pick in conjunction with Usk Junior Football Club in March and found litter and glass in the long grass, which would have damaged the equipment when the grass was cut for the summer.”

Mr Kear said the litter pick is also a good form of exercise.

“It is quite physical and a great way to bring people together.”

“We want to be very proud of where we live and to make Usk better.”

Keep Wales Tidy is one of Wales’ leading environmental charities working with communities, schools and organisations to help improve and maintain the environment.

The charity encourages people to help improve their local area.

It runs the Welsh Government-funded Tidy Town’s community volunteering initiative which includes encouraging community groups to get involved in litter-picking activities.

Between 2008 and 2015, the initiative has supported community groups and litter champions to carry out 53,908 clean-ups in Wales, removing over 9,000 tonnes of waste from around the country.

The charity says it’s not just about improving the area but about providing outdoor projects that help people to lead healthier lives.

Owen Wilce, Monmouthshire council’s volunteering officer said volunteering provides many health benefits to both mental and physical health. It helps to boost confidence, combat depression by keeping people in contact with others and helps to stay physically healthy, especially in older adults.

Tidy Town’s tips for organising a clean-up

For anyone wanting to get involved and organise a clean up, the charity suggests; choosing a location ahead of time and to get permission from the landowner, if needed.

If you register your event with Keep Wales Tidy, you might be eligible for insurance to cover your event. If not, remember that you’ll need liability for anything you organise.

Your local council might be able to help with litter collection, but give them plenty of notice ahead of your event.

Remember to stay stafe. Complete a risk assessment of your litter pick so that you’re aware of any potential hazards. You can get an example of a risk assessment from Keep Wales Tidy.

Make sure you have the correct protective gear and equipment and always dress for the weather.

For further advice, go to the Keep Wales Tidy website or contact your local Keep Wales Tidy Project Officer.

To find our more visit www.keepwalestidy.org