MEON Valley's MP joined volunteer litter pickers in Bishop’s Waltham at the weekend for a local clean-up.

Flick Drummond spent time on Saturday morning bagging up rubbish on the B2177 Winchester Road with local residents Tom Bristowe and Mike Hughes.

The morning was arranged by The Litter Partnership, which was founded by Tom to bring together local people, councils, schools, businesses and military personnel to tackle litter.

Winchester City Council’s street scene contractor, Idverde, which works closely with The Litter Partnership, provided a member of staff and a van to ensure everything was done safely.

“Just like so many people I am infuriated by litterers, but I am also really happy there are so many volunteers across Meon Valley who care so much about their community that they are prepared to give up their spare time to clean it up,” said Flick Drummond.

“Many thanks to The Litter Partnership for the job it is doing to keep Bishop’s Waltham, and other parts of the Winchester district, litter free. We managed to fill Idverde’s van with several bags of rubbish, and other discarded objects too. Meon Valley is a beautiful place and I would ask everyone to put their litter in bins or take it home.”

Tom added: “I am grateful to Flick for helping keep our wonderful countryside clean and tidy. We now have several groups litter-picking every weekend, with the fabulous support of Idverde. Our litter picks last an hour, and are not only terrific exercise but great fun too. We welcome anyone who wants to join us.”