FRUSTRATED residents collected almost half a tonne of rubbish from their streets as part of a pledge to keep their town free from rubbish.

Residents from Ormsgill rolled up their sleeves and took part in a successful litter pick in a bid to stamp out rubbish and fly tipping which they say is a regular occurrence in their neighbourhood .

More than 40 helpers braved the cold, wet weather and got stuck in collecting plastic bottles, boxes and discarded food wrappers from their streets.

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The Big Clean event was organised by Councillor Bill McEwan and community group Friends of Ormsgill School, staff from Cumbria Council Council's community team and Barrow Borough Council's Streetcare Team all took part.

Cllr Bill McEwan, said: “Thank you to everyone who braved the cold, we’ve made a huge difference and collected an incredible amount of rubbish.

"We have now also got two skips placed on the estate to encourage people to get rid of any unwanted large items and avoid fly-tipping.

"We are pleading with everyone to keep Ormsgill clean so that future clean-ups are not necessary.

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"We believe Ormsgill is a great place to live. Let's be proud of our community together."

Volunteers collected an impressive 400 kg which was then disposed of by Barrow Borough Council's Streetcare team, on March 10.

Peter Buckley, Streetcare enforcement officer from Barrow Borough Council said: "The litter-pick was a great success with a fantastic turn-out by the local residents.

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"The event also highlighted what can be achieved when all parties work together for a common good. Hopefully this will help kick-start other similar events."

Young litter pickers from Ormsgill Primary, led by head of school Mick Cull also took part in the event, donning luminous jackets, gloves and litter grabbers got stuck in.

Mick Cull, Ormsgill School Headteacher said: “One of our key aims is to encourage our children to become responsible members of the community.

"An event like the Big Clean is the perfect way for children to roll up their sleeves and make Ormsgill a better place by clearing up litter.

"It shows them that the whole community can work together to effect change and that they themselves have such an important part to play."