A COTSWOLD woman has declared war on litter louts and is asking for people to help her cause.

When she retired three years ago from her job as a teacher and a dispenser at a doctor’s surgery, Pauline Farman took long walks in the Perrott’s Brook and Daglingworth area.

And she decided that it would benefit the community if she could collect litter on walks.

She now carries out litter picks about twice a week and gets great satisfaction from her work.

She said: “I get a fantastic reaction from the public when they see me out on my rounds improving their environment. I meet lots of very nice people and the police often stop to thank me and check that I am ok.

She explained that Cotswold District Council’s waste company Ubico has provided her with a huge supply of black refuse bags and that it collects them from her home when they are filled.

She added that Amey which manages highways in the district have given her an excellent high visibility jacket to improve her safety.

Pauline is encouraging others to follow her lead and pick up litter elsewhere in the district.

She said: “I would love to see others following my lead in other neighbourhoods. In particular, I think the younger generation can play a vital role in educating their elders about the anti-social nature of littering and how it blights the environment. If we can get this message across to school age children, I believe they can influence others to change their attitude.”

Cabinet member for the Environment at Cotswold District Council, Sue Coakley, is full of praise for Pauline.

She said: “Pauline deserves a huge ‘thank you’ from the council and we are right behind her efforts to combat littering.”

Anyone who wants to know more about starting a litter pick should contact Cotswold District Council on 01285 623000. It can provide instructions, gloves, high visibility jackets and waste bags.

Pauline is also willing to tell schools and societies about her work.

Contact press@cotswold.gov.uk for more details.