Litter picking pupils

The grounds of St Joan of Arc School in Rickmansworth are litter-free, thanks to the efforts of a group of pupils who volunteered their time to clean up the grounds with equipment provided by Three Rivers District Council.

Twenty-five pupils joined teachers and members of the school's Parent Teacher Association for a litter picking day.  Around 20-30 bags of rubbish were eventually collected.

The District Council's Environmental Projects Officer, Jennie Moore, had recently visited the school to talk to Year 7 and 9 pupils about how dropping litter affects the local environment - and is actually a form of anti-social behaviour that they could be fined for.  The school had planned a 'litter pick' of their school grounds and the District Council provided 'pickers' for the occasion.

Councillor Phil Brading, Public Services and Health portfolio holder, says:

"It's great that so many young people volunteered to help out, especially on a Saturday. Clearly they have got the message that we're all responsible for the rubbish we throw away. I hope others will learn something from their great example."

Mike Varju, Deputy Head of Geography, who helped to arrange the day says:

"It was great to see so many students, staff and parents working together to make the school a cleaner place. This represents the community spirit which is evident in many aspects of life at St. Joans."

The District Council has four 'barrow beats' in town and village centres across Three Rivers, keeping the streets clean and free of litter.  However, the Council is encouraging everyone to always use the litter bins provided around the district, or take their litter home to recycle or dispose of.