New litter picking hwb for Builth Wells Library

1 August 2023

Joining the other successful litter picking hwbs across the county, Builth Wells Library has become the latest place to loan out litter picking kits to those keen to help keep their local area free from rubbish.

The kits, which include hi-vis vests, litter grabbers, hoops to keep the sacks open and a supply of recycling and rubbish bags, are provided in conjunction with Powys County Council and Keep Wales Tidy. Kits can be loaned to local groups, clubs, families, and other volunteers wishing to help make a difference to their local area.

Cllr Jackie Charlton, Cabinet Member for a Greener Powys, said: "We are always keen to support communities to take action to improve their environment. In an ideal world people would act responsibly and all litter would be either taken home or put in a bin. However, inevitably there is nearly always some litter around, and keeping our local areas free from rubbish is the aim of Caru Cymru, a Wales wide initiative to eradicate litter and waste and one which the council is fully supportive of."

Local councillors, Cllr Jeremy Pugh and Cllr Bryan Davies, both joined the Builth Wells Scouts Group at the library on Saturday 15 July for the first official litter pick using the new equipment and said: "The weather put a bit of a dampener on the first litter pick, but that didn't stop the local scout group and their families turning up in force to get involved with keeping Builth Wells looking spick and span.

"In the past we have had dedicated individuals, such as Damian Andrews, who have tirelessly kept the local area free from litter. We would like to thank them for their hard work, but now it is time for the local community to take up the mantle. Having the litter picking hwb here at the library will allow everyone to easily take responsibility and get involved with keeping our town clean and tidy."

Keep Wales Tidy Powys Project Officers, Jodie Griffith, said: "We're delighted to have helped Builth Wells join our network of litter picking hwbs here in Powys. People can pre-book for larger activities, or pop into the library to borrow kit just for the day. We encourage individuals, businesses and groups to make good use of these new facilities to play a part in improving their local environment."

For more information on the litter picking hwbs and details of how to organise a safe litter picking event in your area, please visit: Volunteer Litter Picking 

Photo credit: Tim Edwards
Back, L-R: Trish Thomas (Builth Wells Library), Cllr Bryan Davies, Ashley Collins (PCC Waste and Recycling Senior Manager), Sharon Walters (PCC Waste and Recycling Team), Cllr Jeremy Pugh
Front: Members of the Builth Wells Scout Group