The work of volunteer litter pickers in Abergavenny has been recognised in this year’s High Sheriff of Gwent Awards.
The Keep Abergavenny Tidy (K.A.T.) group have won a certificate for their outstanding contribution to the community.
“I believe that the wonderful work you and your team undertake is deserving of such recognition,” the High Sheriff, Tim Russen, told the K.A.T. coordinator Helen Trevor Davies in a virtual presentation by Zoom.
If lockdown restrictions are lifted, he hopes to present the award in person before the end of March when his term ends. Mr Russen has himself taken part in a community litter-pick.
Helen Trevor Davies said it was “amazingly good and cheering local news” at a time of national bleakness. “It is encouraging to all the people who regularly litter pick. We need to work together to make our outdoor spaces cleaner, safer and more beautiful.”
K.A.T. was relaunched in March 2019 after local people were dismayed by the growing amount of rubbish blighting the environment and posing a danger to wildlife.
To date there are 95 registered volunteers, covered by K.A.T. insurance, who take care of their own patch. Regular community events are held to tackle hot spots. Family picks have been organised so youngsters can learn about the importance of looking after the environment. Group events and the issuing and loan of kits have been put on hold until pandemic restrictions ease.
Volunteers have collected 420.3 bags for recycling or safe disposal in the period between the relaunch and February 2020 with 206.5 bags filled between March 2020 and December 2020.
Supporters have welcomed a number of Monmouthshire County Council anti-litter initiatives and have taken part in campaigns organised by Keep Wales Tidy.
Contact the coordinator Helen Trevor Davies on keepabergavennytidy@gmail.com.
Check out the account Facebook @AberLitter/
Irena Morgan