VOLUNTEERS have been meeting regularly to help keep the town of Whitehaven in ship-shape condition.   

Last weekend, Whitehaven Ship-Shapers met up to clear the sites around the ASDA carpark, filling up a total of nine rubbish bags - despite the horrendous weather.

As a result, the community group received ASDA’s April allocation of £50 worth of goods, which has since been donated to Whitehaven Community Trust.

Lara Schwab, of Whitehaven gift shop Little Whims, has been orchestrating the clean-up sessions for over a year now.

“It’s something that’s quite easy, only takes an hour of our time, doesn’t cost anything, and can make a big difference to the town we live in,” she said.

The group meets most weeks for an hour on a Sunday, to sweep and tackle the towns weeding and litter problem, and we’re recently provided litter-pickers from the council, to help make the job easier.

Throughout the town, locals across the board have stepped up to the plate in keeping Whitehaven clean, even with a few members from the younger generation pitching in along the way.

“Every kid that comes along seems to really enjoy it; I think they enjoy tidying up the town.

“It’s a great thing to set a precedent for kids their generation to help keep the town tidy,” she said.  

Young Charlie and Lara Schwab’s daughter, Evelyn, were amongst those pitching in at the weekend who received the first Whitehaven Ship-Shaper certificates.  

Whitehaven News: EXCELLENT: Evelyn receives one of the first Whitehaven Ship-Shaper awards EXCELLENT: Evelyn receives one of the first Whitehaven Ship-Shaper awards

Andrea Chalmers, an employee from Asda, took to social media to thank the group for their work.

“On behalf of everyone at Asda Whitehaven I’d like to say thank you so much for making our carpark tidy, even in the horrendous weather you did an amazing job.

“Your hard work didn’t go unnoticed, and we appreciate it,” she said.

With the weather improving, the group looks to meet up more regularly with everyone who has a passion for their town being encouraged to come along and get involved.

To find out more about the groups activities, visit the Whitehaven Ship-Shapers Facebook page.