A COMMITTED band of rubbish collectors braved the weather to do their bit in tidying up Cepen Park South last weekend.

The volunteers gave up several hours of Saturday to collect more than 20 bags of litter from the area surrounding the pond and old barn at Drake Avenue.

The area has become increasingly litter-strewn lately, while the pond needs urgent attention.

The idea for the clean-up came from Chippenham parish councillor John Gill.

"I would like to say a huge thank-you to all the people who turned out to help this weekend, especially as the weather was so changeable,

"I would also like to thank North Wiltshire District Council for arranging a skip, which was invaluable.

"Allington Farm Shop also helped out too, by loaning us a transit van All in all, it was a successful day."

Volunteers are now being sought to take part in a clean-up in the autumn.

"We hope to do some more substantial work to the pond next," said Mr Gill.

Each year, North Wiltshire District Council encourages people to help clean up their neighbourhoods, but this was the first time it had been undertaken in Cepen Park.

For more information, contact John Gill (evenings before 9pm) on (01249) 652092.