Rushden & Higham Ferrers Litter Wombles began cleaning up the litter left around our towns.

In March they worked near Spencer Park

They are doing a wonderful job by clearing rubbish left by those who don't take it home or bin it themselves.

Nine people helped in Windmill Club area

The number of bags collected and notified to the council for collection after each pick has been amazing.

Between Alfred Street & John Street	Publicity poster

Some of the members with new equipment

This year they have applied to the Heritage Lottery Community Fund to help to equip the group with tools and they were successful in getting £19,500. Now they are better equipped with bag holders, a machine to help clear gutters of weed, longer picking tools, and carts to supplement rakes and secateurs. They have also bought two colourful benches made from recycled plastic.

Not only do they pick up the litter left, but they clear weeds and also trim any shrubs or briars that are encroaching the footpaths all around the areas.

One of the colourful benches

The group meets once a month for a social evening in one of the carriages at the Rushden Historical Transport Society, and also arrange evening talks on a variety of subjects.

They are certainly making a big difference in both our towns. Thank you to one and all involved.

Hearts & Soles website was also funded by a Heritage Lottery grant way back in 2007.