Walton Litter Picking Group Receive New Equipment

A LITTER picking group has been handed new equipment to help keep the Walton area tidy, thanks to a charitable organisation. 

Community Voluntary Services Tendring (CVST) helped get the equipment for a local Litter Picking group called, Walton Against Lazy Littering (WALLYS). 

WALLYs started in March 2021 to help encourage the residents of Walton to work together in clearing up litter around the town. 

Rachel Barford, founder of Wallys, said: “I’ve lost count of the number of bags of rubbish we have collected over the years, but we also recycle as much as we can.  

“Raising funds for the local primary school by collecting drinks cans, running the local Beach Toy Libraries with discarded beach toys, and finding homes for as much stuff as we pick up as possible – dog bowls, fenders for boats, a Christmas tree stand (we find all sorts of stuff out there).” 

Previously, the group has borrowed its equipment from Tendring District Council and shared with the Frinton Frombles. 

CVST stepped in and supported WALLYs to apply for funding from Essex County Council and purchase the new litter picking items.  

Rachel added: “The equipment we are gratefully receiving with the invaluable help of CVST will mean that we can continue to flourish with our regular picks, without having to share our equipment with the Frinton Frombles, which we do currently.   

“This will save time and petrol, and will mean we are self- sufficient and sustainable, especially as the new equipment is supplied by Waterhaul, which is made in the UK from recycled fishing gear.” 

Yvette Wetton, head of infrastructure at CVST, said the support given to WALLYs is an important part of what the charitable organisation offers in Tendring. 

She said: “CVST is an umbrella charity, which means a huge part of our remit is helping other voluntary organisations in the district. 

“We have a membership and offer help with important governance, accessing vital funding, networking and training. 

“Charities and community groups are so important in Tendring, offering services the community desperately needs. 

“We are passionate about helping them thrive and are so pleased we were able to help WALLYs access this new equipment to assist in the work they already do in Walton.” 

For more information about CVST, which also loans out litter picking equipment to individuals and small groups, call 01255 425692 or visit www.cvstendring.org.uk.  

To find out more about the Walton litter picking group search Walton Against Lazy Littering WALLYS on Facebook.