A LITTER blitz by volunteers from the Petersfield Society, and their families and friends, saw 60 full sacks of litter collected.

More than 30 people, young and old, took part in the five-day clear up, aimed at cleaning up the town before the ‘People of the Heath’ conference in the Festival Hall on Saturday, March 24.

Petersfield Society trustee and litter pick organiser Beth Svarovska said: “We prioritised the Heath, around the Festival Hall and routes into the town.

“We wanted to make sure the town looked its best for the conference that attracted delegates from far and wide, including overseas, as well as local participants.”

So the clean-up crew focused on the station forecourt, Winchester Road, Bell Hill, Station Road, Ramshill, Tor Way, The Causeway, Dragon Street, Moggs Mead, Pulens Lane, and Sussex Road.

Beth added: “We also did an in-depth clean of the Heath, including in the scrub, and all access roads to the Heath.

“And as we had such a good number of volunteers we were also able to clear other heavily littered areas including around the community centre and the Herne Farm Co-op, as well as many of the residential roads which get affected by litter from parked cars.

“I know some people pick up litter every day rather than walk past it, and the council make daily collections.

“But the fact we collected 60 full sacks, indicates the scale of the litter vandalism that blights the town, harms wildlife, and encourages vermin.

“I’m grateful to everyone who helped with such enthusiasm, despite the snow, which meant that our group litter pick became a week-long independent effort.”

Beth now aims to contact organisations such as East Hampshire District Council, Network Rail, McDonald’s, and the Co-op, to see if they will work together to help reduce the amount of litter in the town.

She added: “There is a need for education about litter, and enforcement, so as to reduce the problem at source.”

The next Petersfield Society litter pick will be in August and those interested in taking part are asked to e-mail [email protected]