A NEAR-record number of 32 volunteers took part in the latest Tidy Tavi clean-up last Saturday meaning more areas of the town could be worked on.

Teams were available to visit some residential areas such as Monksmead, Greenlands, Ford Street, Watts Road and Glanville Road as well as all the usual areas of town.

The A386 was covered in its entirety from the turning to Woodtown to Kelly College.

Thanks were expressed to all the volunteers who answered the call to help in their community especially all the youngsters who came along with their parents.

‘This is a very heartening development which is sure to have beneficial long-term effects in terms of environmental awareness,’ said volunteer Steve Hipsey.

‘It has become apparent, however, that many of the families who would like to take part include children who attend swimming lessons and other activities early on Saturday morning that don’t finish until 10am.

‘Therefore, in order to accommodate their needs, a Tidy Tavi organiser will be available in future to equip and brief families with children at 10.30am, once the adult volunteers have departed.

‘Litter picking areas are specially chosen that are suitable for the younger helpers.

‘These routes tend to avoid main roads, steep hills and areas that may be difficult to access.

‘It is also worth emphasising that nobody, child or adult, is expected to commit to the full two-hour session of litter-picking.’

Tidy Tavi organisers are grateful for any help that volunteers can give.

It is hoped the youngsters will become the Tidy Tavi organisers of the future.