Meet the Sutton Coldfield litter picking group making a real difference
A litter picking campaign, started during the pandemic, has become so popular that residents of more than 180 streets have now jumped on board.
The group was originally the brainchild of Andy Biddle, who set up Walmley Action Group, focusing on one specific area of the town.
But he was then joined by Richard Parkin and Debbie Lake as the group broadened its horizons.
And so popular has it become, there are now plans to broaden the campaign to others wards in Sutton Coldfield.
The council are also on board, providing litter pickers and high-visibility clothing.
And the team have since created an 'adopt-a-road' campaign. It means that they deliver equipment to roads across Sutton Coldfield for residents who want to work on tidying up their areas.
As a result have now become the Sutton Coldfield Litter Action Group to show it encompasses the whole town.
Andy said: "It was something I was doing on my own originally.
"I kept the outside of my own house clean and decided to stretch out and tidy the surrounding area."
"I got a kick out of it, getting out and getting my hands dirty to improve the area.
"I put a post out on a community Facebook page and the response was overwhelming.
"It has just grown from there and we have opened it up to the whole of Sutton.
"I look at certain areas now and litter is becoming the exception rather than the rule.
"You see a great number of bags of litter that have been picked, ready for collection, next to bins in the area."
Fellow group member Richard, who sold his business earlier the year, was so inspired by Andy's efforts, he decided to follow suit and work on tidying up Falcon Lodge.
Richard said: "Full credit to Andy and Debbie because they started the campaign.
"I sold my business and, at 53, still feel I am young enough to get on and do stuff.
"I wanted to give something back to the community and got in touch with them about getting involved myself.
"I organised a pick in Churchill Road, Falcon Lodge. I didn't know what to expect but a couple of dozen people turned up and we had a really good day.
"We cleared up a lot of litter. It was full of good spirit and I just found it a really positive, heart warming experience. I was surprised how much I got out of it."
Since then, the trio have worked with the council and have been delivering equipment to residents who want to clean up their roads.
Town Rangers are also involved, collecting bigger amounts of fly-tipping when residents have flagged up concerns over larger amounts of rubbish being dumped.
"It's a fantastic, worthwhile effort," added Richard. "People have been doing it with their kids and grandchildren so it is a multi-generational thing.
"It's a real team effort and something that is making a difference."
