A TEAM of eco warriors have taken to the streets of Duffryn to litter pick their way to a greener future, writes Fiona Fessey.

The Spring Clean Up Cymru has inspired a team of litter pickers in Duffryn who identify themselves as the Duffryn Dusters, established by Nick Carter.

"The aim is to reduce the amount of litter in the area," said Mr Carter.

"I am astounded by the amount of support I have received from Newport City Council and local volunteers.

"Working with the Celtic Horizons litter group, Newport City Council and other groups we are trying to create a more coordinated approach to tackling litter within Duffryn and make the area somewhere we can be proud of."

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The group has already experienced great success with lots of volunteers turning up to support Mr Carter on March 17, and McDonald's offering their support with complimentary tea and coffee after a hard morning of collecting litter.

"We need everyone to help. Support from residents and local businesses is vital for our groups to help keep our community litter free" added Mr Carter.

"If you can get involved, it's for a great cause - plus it's free!"

Spring Clean Up Cymru is a campaign from the charity Keep Wales Tidy.

The charity started due to the huge expense of £1.6 million spent on cleaning communities.

South Wales Argus:

One of the Duffryn Dusters volunteers out on a litter pick. Picture: Duffryn Dusters.

Schemes such as Keep Wales Tidy (KWT) and Spring Clean Up Cymru aims to get people outdoors and litter pick to make communities more aesthetically pleasing and safer for wildlife. The schemes are making heroes out of the locals.

Two years ago the Pride in Newport campaign was launched to combat the issues arising with litter since then a lot of litter picking groups have started.

Mr Carter believes that there needs to be more awareness in communities about the litter picking groups. Members of these groups have addressed it as a war against litter because of the battle they face.

£70 million of the tax payers money is spent on cleaning up Wales, if people started taking responsibility for the environment the money could be put towards health care.

There are positive steps being taken, with more than 50 litter picking groups in Gwent.

Mr Carter is pleased with the amount of interest and refers to the notion as ‘blue planet’ effect.

Others who aim to tackle the litter issues are the Welsh Government, National Resources Wales and Local Authorities Newport. The Woodland Trust have historic interests in the area therefore are very encouraging of the Duffryn Dusters.

The next event is April 28, for more information please refer to the Duffryn Dusters Community Clean Up Facebook page.