Community groups that help look after their local environment are being praised by Swansea Council and litter campaign organisations for their efforts.
The Council is now calling on other groups to follow their lead and make their community a nicer and cleaner place to live.
Recently, Friends of Gowerton Woodland have been carrying out regular litter picks and cutting back vegetation along popular walking routes in and around Gowerton.
The group says that they are tackling paths and patches of land that are off the beaten track and have become neglected.
Steve Bolchover, Chair of the group, said: “Initially we focused on Shaw’s Wood. The wood is surrounded by housing, and is well used by local walkers and as a short cut.
“We have also done litter picks and work at the Elba sports field and in the adjacent woodland and aim to do similar work in other parts of the village.
“We have taken action ourselves to help make our village a better place that we and all the people of Gowerton can enjoy.”
David Hopkins, Cabinet Member for Environment & Transportation has welcomed the efforts of the resident groups. He said: “This is wonderful example of the community getting behind the council with the same thing in mind – which is to keep the city clean.
“As a council, it’s not possible to be everywhere at once because we simply haven’t got the resources. We want residents to take pride in their city and this a great way to illustrate it.
“We want other groups to be inspired and help make Swansea a great place to live. Keep Wales Tidy and the Council can support these groups, providing them with all the equipment they need.”
The work has also been praised by Keep Wales Tidy who assists local groups and volunteers with litter picking activities.
Kathryn Britton, Keep Wales Tidy coordinator for Swansea, said: “We work with and support groups like Friends of Gowerton Woodland across the whole of Wales.
“Our aim is to support the community to ensure the environment is cleaner safer and tidier creating a sense of pride within our communities.
“It never ceases to amaze me how passionate and invaluable volunteers are.”
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