TIDY Tavi volunteers completed their first litter pick of the year in the drizzle earlier this month.

Fourteen people braved the grey weather to help clear the town's streets of litter left over from the festive period. As usual, a considerable haul of rubbish was collected for disposal by West Devon Borough Council.

Several instances of drains being blocked by plastic bags and other rubbish were encountered, especially along Plymouth Road south of the Morrison's supermarket. The offending drains were cleared wherever possible, but the job is not a pleasant one.

Another lasting problem is that of unofficial advertising signs and notices along the roadside and fixed to lamp posts, which have been left in place long after the event has been and gone. These are often found in long grass, hedgerows, drains and gutters. Cable ties used to fix them to lamp posts and other poles are often left behind to accumulate over the years.

• The litter picking teams will go out once again next month on Saturday, February 7. All welcome — meet in Meadowlands café at 10am.