A DRIVE to cut down on the amount of litter in north Swindon will happen today.

Ravi Venkatesh is joining forces with Penhill and Upper Stratton councillor Claire Crilly, and organising two community litter picks.

The first session will be in Penhill between 10am-12pm today with volunteers meeting at Westbury Road.The second will see volunteers tidy Upper Stratton tomorrow between 10am-12pm, meeting at Meadow Croft Community Centre.

Equipment will be provided and volunteers are encouraged to wear sensible clothing and footwear.

Coun Crilly said: “We intend to work with respective Parish Councils to do regular clean ups in the Penhill and Upper Stratton areas. The amount of litter is a regular complaint from local residents and we intend to do our bit to tackle this.”

Mr Venkatesh said: “We have to save the natural environment for our next generation. Plastic and imperishable litter is spoiling this and impacting our climate. If we don’t take action today we will end up with health issues.”