Stafford and Rural Homes

October 6, 2008

Youngsters on the Highfields estate in Stafford have joined the local residents association’s war on litter.

Around 14 young people, along with parents and helpers from the HERaTAGE tenants and residents association, took part in a big clean-up operation on Saturday 27 September to help make Highfields a litter free zone.

In just 4 hours, the young volunteers, aged between 4 and 11, helped to gather 23 bin bags full of litter.

Householders, meanwhile, took advantage of four skips and four wagons provided for larger waste items by Connaught Partnerships, who are helping deliver Stafford and Rural Homes’ estate-wide improvement programme.

All four skips were filled to capacity by lunchtime, one in just 45 minutes!

The children were thanked and even applauded by some residents as they went about the estate, kitted out with high visibility jackets and litter grabbers. Local residents manned the community centre at Shakespeare Road sheltered housing scheme and showed their appreciation with a constant supply of tea, cold drinks and home made cakes.

The event was organised by HERaTAGE, the tenants and residents association at Highfields, with support from local landlord Stafford and Rural Homes and partner, Connaught.

Ruth Knott, HERaTAGE’s Secretary said: “There was a great atmosphere on the day and I think people were really pleased to see the young people getting stuck in to such a worthwhile task.

“The problem of litter has been raised on many occasions to HERaTAGE which is why we felt something needed to be done.

“I hope everyone on the estate will take pride in the transformation these youngsters helped bring about and help us keep Highfields tidy.

“On behalf of HERaTAGE I’d like to say a big thank you to all who took part and everyone who supported the day by providing skips, wagons, equipment, refreshments or encouragement.”

Four local schools are also taking part in a poster competition for young people on the importance of looking after the local environment.