A GROUP from Richards Castle have staged a village wide ‘spring clean’ collecting an amazing haul of things that had been discarded.

Members of Richards Castle Women’s Institute and volunteer helpers turned out in force for the annual Big Tidy-Up, collecting several hundredweight of rubbish thrown from vehicles that pass through the parish.

“We are no longer surprised at what we have to pick up” said Dulcie Rochelle, who lives near Policeman’s Corner.

“There was everything from complete exhaust silencers, that have fallen off cars, to drinks cans, sandwich wrappers, newspapers and other junk that thoughtless motorists have thrown from their cars.

“Happily it seems that if we keep the roads relatively clean then less rubbish is likely to be thrown down.”

Another ‘spring cleaner’ added that there was a lot of waste from vehicles and the building trade.

“The haul included lengths of abandoned blue plastic piping, a lorry wheel and tyre and builder’s materials,” said David English.

“We found a car battery, in fairly good condition, put it on the side of the road ready to collect it but within minutes it had vanished, obviously catching the eye of a passing motorist. It makes you wonder why it was abandoned in the first place.”

A number of animal carcases were discovered, including an otter, a badger and two foxes.

This is the third year that the WI has organised the Big Tidy Up.

“It is now an annual event and we always get plenty of support,” said Gloria Corfield, president of Richards Castle WI.

“Shropshire Council provides equipment, high-vis jackets, plastic bags and then collect the rubbish from a central point at the village hall, where all the volunteers get free tea, coffee and biscuits.

“It was bitterly cold out there at 9am but we all quickly thawed out at the end. It really is encouraging to see so many people who care for their community and are prepared to help us keep Richards Castle clean and tidy.”