VOLUNTEERS have been working hard to tidy up their community under a new scheme.

Members of West Copeland Partnership and local people worked together on Sunday, October 25, to tackle ‘grot spots’ in the area.

More than 25 bags of rubbish were collected as volunteers attended to areas in the town centre (High Street and Factory Shop car park), at Brisco Mount and on the Orgill estate. Helpers also cleaned up the footpath which leads from behind the academy towards the Falcon Club, underpass areas and the skate park.

It is hoped the sessions will become a monthly activity with the next one, possibly supported by residents of Calderwood House, taking place in late November.

The West Copeland Partnership is a combination of the parishes of St Bees, Egremont, Haile and Wilton, Beckermet with Thornhill and Lowside Quarter.

Chair of the partnership, Michael McVeigh, said: “We want communities to take pride in their local area and public spaces so this is the start of a community clean-up programme.

“Through support from our very successful Lengthsmen Programme and other local organisations we want to bring groups together with a common interest, clean up the community but at the same time encourage social interaction and fun.”

One of the key aims of the Lengthsmen scheme, which is funded by the Copeland Community Fund, Leconfield estates and parish councils, is to deliver environmental activities involving volunteers. The clean-ups are the first of many activities designed to promote community engagement. And the project aims to bring people from all ages and backgrounds together as well as tidying up the town.