A litter-picking initiative has sparked a strong response from the Swindon community.
The Adver wrote about dedicated volunteer Karen Leggett and her Keep Swindon Tidy initiative, calling on residents to take greater responsibility for their local environment.
Over the past year, Leggett and her team of volunteers have collected approximately 300 bags of litter, primarily from parks and smaller community areas.
Despite their efforts, maintaining the cleanliness of the town centre remains a significant challenge.
Their initiative has started a conversation among Swindon residents, with many taking to social media to express their views.
Jade-Lee Agnes Maclennan commented: “Alleys are not always the tidiest, but these days they are minging! The one behind Clive Parade has people dumping all sorts there, thinking it’s not their responsibility to take it to a tip or ask for extra bins.
“It’s nice to take pride where you’re living.”
Similarly, Malcolm D. Woods reflected on his time in Bournemouth, noting: “I lived in Bournemouth for 20 years—immaculate clean beaches until there was a hot day.
"People would travel to the beach; at the end of the day, the bins are empty, but the beach is covered in litter.”
Michelle Maddock criticised the reliance on volunteers: “The council gets the volunteers to do it as they don’t have to pay them.
“Whereas there are many people unable to get a job, but instead, the council uses and relies on volunteers far too much. Ridiculous behaviour from SBC.”
In contrast, Bernie Saint responded, urging people to consider the source of the problem: “To be fair, you should also look at who is dumping the rubbish as it doesn’t get there on its own.”
Several residents suggested potential solutions to the litter problem.
Gail Collins proposed a return to community service projects: “The real culprits are the people who walk around dropping and dumping litter everywhere.
“I thought this is the sort of thing community service was for.”
Jade-Lee Agnes Maclennan agreed, commenting: “I cannot remember the last time I saw people doing community service litter picking/painting in the community.
“I think it would definitely make some sense to keep that going.”
Others highlighted systemic issues, such as the removal of bins.
Andrew Trybus observed: “Council has been removing bins where I live. You can expect more of this.” Christopher Paul Liston added, “Just been told no more road cleaner in Rodbourne—what chance have we got?”
Justin Morse reminisced about a time when street cleaning was more prevalent: “With cuts from the councils and fewer bins, this will be a normal everyday thing.
“People shouldn’t litter, the council shouldn’t be removing bins.
“Sorry to state the obvious, but I remember when I was a kid, there were loads of street cleaners, lots of bins everywhere.”
Despite the challenges, the Keep Swindon Tidy initiative remains committed to their mission.
A spokesperson from the group responded to a resident’s comment about a frequently littered alleyway, saying: “The picture is around 18 months old.
“We are back in this alleyway now and have cleared away a lot of stuff.
“We will continue to work here until it’s clear again.”
Karen Leggett and her fellow volunteers hope that their efforts will inspire more residents to join the cause.
“If everyone does a little, it will go far,” noted Adam James Jenkins, echoing the sentiment that community involvement is crucial to maintaining a clean and pleasant environment.
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