Community tidy-ups fill dozens of bags with litter across Exeter

Big-hearted communities in Exeter are making a difference by keeping their neighbourhoods clean through organised litter-picks.

Recent community tidy-ups in Beacon Heath and Whipton have seen volunteers collect dozens of bags of rubbish, helping to improve the local environment. The clean-ups have been led by Community Builder Ebbie Peters with support from ward councillors and Exeter City Council, as part of the Wellbeing Exeter & Cranbrook initiative.

In Beacon Heath, a group of dedicated volunteers filled 15 bin bags with litter from streets, verges, footpaths, and public spaces. Local volunteers even uncovered discarded items like plastic tree guards, fly-tipped bathroom tiles, a bicycle wheel, and a fire extinguisher.

Cllr Ruth Williams, Lead Councillor for City Management, joined the litter-pick and expressed her pride in seeing so many people come together. She said, “It’s lovely to see so many people of all ages showing such pride in their neighbourhoods. There’s a real community feel to these events with locals pulling together to improve their neighbourhoods.”

To coordinate future tidy-ups, Ebbie Peters has set up a Community Champions WhatsApp group in Beacon Heath. Residents can sign up to receive alerts and get involved in upcoming events by contacting Ebbie via email at ebbie.peters@eci.org.uk.

In Whipton, Community Builder Natalie Smith has also organised successful tidy-ups with local councillors. The next event will take place on January 25 in the Pendragon area of Beacon Heath from 10am to 11.30am. Participants are asked to meet at the basketball court in the Pendragon Play Area.

Litter-picking equipment is provided by Exeter City Council, with additional support from the University of Exeter in certain parts of the city.