VOLUNTEERS joined forces with staff from two multi-national food giants in Cirencester last week to make a clean sweep of their local area with a litter pick.

Local volunteer Roger Sweeting and Ian Andrews, McDonalds manager, organised the event, which involved six staff from the fast food outlet and was supported by Mel Scrivens from Tesco and four Tesco staff who were volunteering before their shifts, and Cirencester Town Council.

The litter pick was in support of the Keep Britain Tidy Big Spring Clean, and also part of the Love Cirencester: Clean and Green initiative.

Litter pickers cleared the footpaths and roadways close to the out of town shopping area comprising McDonalds, Aldi and Tesco, including the adjacent stream and Water Meadow.

They collected over 12 sacks of mixed litter.

Roger said: “This litter pick was even better supported than we hoped with staff from McDonalds as well as staff from Tesco volunteering their time.

“We collected over 12 sacks of mixed litter from the footpaths, roadways and water meadow/stream banks.Hopefully this will encourage residents, drivers and walkers to respect and enjoy this area by not dropping litter in the future. We can but hope.

“Well done everyone.”

Cirencester Town Council is supporting the The Great British Spring Clean, Britain’s biggest ever mass action environmental campaign, organised each year by Keep Britain Tidy, which runs until the end of April and wants residents, schools, community groups and businesses in Cirencester to get involved.

The council has supported local businesses and volunteers who have organised litter picks in town, by providing litter pickers, bags and collection of rubbish.

The town council is also keen to celebrate the green activity that is already taking place in Cirencester to reduce waste.

Brona Langton, project and management support officer, said: “Let us know what you are doing to reduce and recycle, be it ‘keep cups’ to reduce the amount of disposables, or using biodegradable or compostable products in your home or business and we will share this news.”