A community clean-up event was held over the weekend in the villages of Kilgetty and Begelly.

The event, which was organised by volunteers for the Kilgetty, Begelly Environment Group, saw over 50 people registered to participate in Sunday morning’s litter pick around the two villages.

These volunteers included 19 of the 1st Kilgetty Cubs and Scout group together with leaders and parents. Despite the poor weather earlier in the morning, it was an excellent result and 35 bags of litter were collected.

Volunteers were then rewarded with some hot soup along with bread and cheese which everyone certainly enjoyed. Thanks must go to the Bridge Café for preparing the soup, Watkins Bakery for the bread rolls and to the Coop for the bread sticks and cheese and other refreshments.

Pembrokeshire County Council brought over one of their new ‘Kerb Sort’ vehicles to help demonstrate how the new recycling system will work when it is launched on November 4. Waste Service advisers from the council were on hand to explain how the recycling service will change and answered many residents’ questions.

Many local people took advantage of the ‘drop in’ nature of the event to see how the changes will affect them and then considered a number of questions relating to proposed environmental projects in the area. It was interesting to see the wide variety of environment issues that residents are concerned about and more importantly willing to do something about.

Marc Bond, PCC’s Eco Champion, then formally launched the Kilgetty Two Minute Street Clean initiative which will be situated outside the Calm Organic Beauty salon during opening hours. T

Thanks must go to the proprietor Lisa Mansell - who has volunteered to become Kilgetty’s very first Eco Champion – and has offered to look after the board and to place it outside her premises.

The Two Minute Street Clean is designed to encourage people to take a few minutes to litter pick around the area and assist in keeping the village clean and free from litter.

Commenting on the event, Marc Bond said: “I am so pleased to see such support from the community and the level of interest shown both in the recycling initiatives and the ongoing environment projects being proposed.

There has been a wonderful turnout today and a huge amount of community spirit. Kilgetty Begelly is a pioneer in the Street Clean operation and I’ll be keeping a close eye on its success. Well done to everyone who has contributed to a very successful day.”

Adding to Marc’s comments County Councillor David Pugh said “On behalf of the Kilgetty Begelly Rural Futures steering group, I would like to say a big thank you to all the volunteers who turned out to help with the litter pick and to those who assisted in providing the much needed refreshments during the day.

It really was a great community event and I hope the proposed environment projects will also get the community support shown at this event.”