Community litter pick on Moreton Hall, Bury St Edmunds, organised by residents’ group is hailed a success

A successful community litter pick on a town estate has seen more than 40 bags of rubbish collected including a bra and countless bottles and cans.

Sunday’s event on Moreton Hall, Bury St Edmunds, was the first arranged by the current committee of the Moreton Hall Residents’ Association (MHRA).

More than 50 people of all ages turned out for the litter pick, with equipment provided by West Suffolk Council.

Items collected included a turtle paddling pool, a bra hanging on a bush in Ten Acre Field, a nappy in a wooded area, and flytipping - including metal poles - in Symonds Road. Also, many bottles, cans and cigarette butts were collected.

Melanie Soanes, chair of MHRA, said there had been an ‘excellent’ turn out and thanked all of the residents, committee members and councillors who showed up and spent some of their Sunday collecting rubbish at various locations on the estate.

People who took part commented on the great atmosphere and how well organised the event was.

On Facebook, Andy McGowan, vice-chair of MHRA, said: “What an amazing turn out from the Moreton Hall community! More than 50 residents of all ages giving up their Sunday morning to help keep Moreton Hall clean.

“As part of The Big Listen residents’ survey, we have asked residents where there are litter hot spots and a shortage of bins and this information will be shared with local councillors and officers.

“The find of the day probably has to be a turtle sandpit and one of the kids went home with a Star Wars football for their efforts. Thank you once again to everyone who joined us.”

He gave particular thanks to Melanie who sorted all of the equipment from the council and stored the full bin bags at her house until the council could collect them.