Residents across the district collected more than 100 bags of rubbish as they took part in a spring clean to spruce up several estates.

As part of the national Keep Britain Tidy Great Spring Clean 2021 campaign, Eastlight Community Homes worked with Braintree Council to organise litter picking events.

In total they collected more than 100 bags of rubbish, as well as a skip-full of waste at each event.

Mary Beckett, an Eastlight volunteer resident from Witham who took part in the event on Forest Road, said: “It was brilliant. It wasn’t really hard work, although there was quite a bit of walking.

“Lots of people who saw us came out to tell us what a great job we were doing, which was very encouraging.”

Residents in White Horse Avenue and Ramsey Road in Halstead, Forest Road, Humber Road and the Templars Estate in Witham, and Stubbs Lane and the Glebe Estate in Braintree all took part in litter picking.

Braintree and Witham Times: Resident Tony Fogwill. Photo credit Steve BradingResident Tony Fogwill. Photo credit Steve Brading

Councillor Wendy Schmitt, said: “We are pleased to be supporting the Great British Spring Clean again this year, and all our fantastic volunteers and community groups who undertook litter-picking.

“They are setting a real example of how our communities have a role to play in keeping our district looking great.”

Mark Garnham, an Eastlight Estate Co-ordinator, said: “My team and Braintree Council organised the events as a great way to safely bring our customers together and help them to be proud of where they live. Thank you to Braintree Council and the local residents who took the time to get involved or encourage us.”