More than 20 volunteers showed their public spirit by joining forces to clear litter and debris to help clean up Mersey Woods in Aigburth.
This is one of many local environmental improvement schemes organised by the River Oaks Residents’ Association (RORA) and StreetScene Department.
RORA has won four awards, including Britain in Bloom in the outstanding category for two years, a Biffa Waste grant, Liverpool Garden Competition and the Liverpool Echo Environmental Award for their efforts and dedication to the community.
Terry Jones, chairman of RORA, has led the scheme for the past seven years. He said: “I think that was the most surprising of all really. We never really thought we would win but it was lovely after seven years of hard work. It’s all been beautifully planted now and families have planted roses there too. They have their own plaque there too.”
Many areas in Aigburth are kept clean by RORA throughout the year. Those who participated found a range of waste in the overgrowth like footballs, toilet seats, litter and road signs.
Local councillor Patrick Hurley helped out with the team of volunteers. He said: “I arranged for a skip, litter pickers, gloves, bin bags and I’m down here getting stuck in myself this morning. I’m all dirty and all messed up. It’s a great event to see.”
Community Clean-Up events take place every couple of months within the area covering Mossley Hill train station down to the River Mersey and parts of Sudley (CS). However, because the StreetScheme covers such an extensive area the project finds it difficult to clean every location frequently.
Mr Jones said: “We tend to put these events on, the ‘Community Clean-Ups’ we call them, every two or three months.
“It’s the sort of thing that brings together a diverse group of people. They get to know their neighbours, they get to clean up their streets and it’s a great way of building up the community.”