Clean-up volunteers get helping hand to deter littering and anti-social behaviour

Litter heroes have been given a helping hand in their mission to keep Fenland's streets safe and tidy.

PCC cart presentation - Wisbech St Mary Street Pride

Eight volunteer Street Pride groups, which work with Fenland District Council to improve the environment in their local communities, have been presented with new trollies to boost their litter picking efforts.

The Council secured funding for the equipment from the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Police and Crime Commissioner's Safer Communities Fund which aims to help communities with problems impacting on quality of life and wellbeing.

The idea came from Wisbech St Mary Street Pride group and chairman Sarah Bligh who wanted a sturdy trolley to help volunteers collect heavier items of litter, rubbish, and nitrous oxide canisters.

Wisbech St Mary Street Pride group receive new trollies. Front, from left, chairman Sarah Bligh, Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Police and Crime Commissioner Darryl Preston, Fenland District Council's Portfolio Holder for Environment Cllr Peter Murphy.

Cllr Peter Murphy, Fenland District Council's Portfolio Holder for the Environment, said: "We'd like to thank the Police and Crime Commissioner for its support in helping keep Fenland's streets and parks safe and tidy.

"Littering is a serious form of anti-social behaviour that affects all of us and can contribute to increased crime rates. Together with our amazing volunteers, we will continue to tackle the scourge of litter and associated anti-social behaviour head-on."

Darryl Preston, Police and Crime Commissioner said: "I'm glad to hear that funding from my Safer Communities Fund is making a difference to communities in Fenland and it's great to see the District Council working collaboratively with volunteers to keep people safe.

"Anti-social behaviour has no place in our communities and I am pleased to see these early results from my investment into our local Community Safety Partnerships."