A community came together to help make a difference.

Residents of the new developments on Barn Road joined forces with Hulme Walfied and Somerford Booths Parish Council for a cleanup.

It comes after the area was left looking 'unsightly' due to litter.

Speaking after the cleanup on Sunday, council chair Mark Hill said: "It is beneficial when people who are new to our parish offer to work together with ourselves to help keep our community clean and tidy.

"With ever decreasing amount of public money available for this, we simply cannot rely on 'the council' to do it.

"We are delighted to offer practical ways in which we can work with others to look after their streets, neighbourhoods and green spaces.

"It builds up a greater understanding of what the parish council can do, with their help."

A resident who attended added: "This is such a lovely area in which to live, and such a shame when people carelessly leave rubbish lying around, expecting someone to pick it up.

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"By working with councillor Hill we are helping reduce the problem.

"A clean, tidy area helps reduce further litter dropping and we are delighted to be able to help the parish council.

"It also helps educate our young people at the local schools about the importance of care for the environment"

Later this year, the parish council plans to carry our similar initiatives with the new residents of the Redrow/Barratt Homes, Castle Green and retail developments.

Councillor Hill added: "We have readily accepted that the character of our beautiful parish is going to change as more and more houses are constructed.

"Our challenge is the find practical ways in which we can meet our new residents, explain how the parish council can offer support and assistance for community projects and encourage some to become councillors in 2027 when the next parish elections take place.

"Together we can help develop strong community relations and maintain the places in which we live."

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