A NEW community environmental group has been set up in Newport.

Pride in Pill (PiP) is a community environmental group, set up, facilitated and managed by local residents within the Pill community for the people of Pill.

Newport City Council cabinet member for infrastructure, Councillor Ken Critchley, has welcomed the news.

The objective of the group is to restore ‘Pride in Pill’, making it a safer, cleaner and greener place to live, work and socialise.

Speaking about the initiative, Councillor Critchley, said: “The council welcomes this initiative by the community of Pill. It is encouraging to see people take pride in their area and want to make a real difference. We would encourage others to follow Pill’s lead and set up their own community group.”

PiP is one of the first constituted community groups in Newport and has already achieved success carrying out litter picks, fly tipping clearance, small environmental improvements and giving residents waste and recycling advice. In the future they will be looking to train litter and recycling champions in the area.

The group is supported by Newport City Council’s streetscene team and Keep Wales Tidy, and is funded by local sponsorship and community grants.

Peter Clissold from Safe and Secure training will provide the group with free health and safety, first aid and recycling advice in the new year.

PiP will also support other communities interested in setting up groups.